You are right. The Romney Republicans said mean things about her. (gasp.... this is politics. Right?) Plus the media was biased against her.... just like they were to Dan Quayle. But if Dan Quayle was ever to make a run for the presidency, he would have to overcome the image that was shaped in the media. And he would have to convince other Republicans that he could win.
Would he be a good president? I think so. Could he overcome his stereotype and actually win? I sincerely doubt it.