Following McCain's selection of the least qualified VP candidate since Dan Quayle, the Republican nominee for President has shown his recklessness and tendency to act on rash impulse.  His clear first choice, through years of developing a close professional relationship based on shared principles (such as they are) was Joe Lieberman.  It's not a stretch to say that these two Senators represented the most conspicuous partnership in contemporary US politics.  Choosing anyone else was a sure sign that he does not control his own politics.  Saying that his choice demonstrates dangerous impulsiveness is a strong criticism, but it's only half a loaf.  The other half is that it demonstrates the weakness of his leadership position within his own party.