I'm definitely gonna have to research this now, but as I recall, according to Quayle's book "Standing Firm," that potato(e) incident was competely mischaracterized by the media. If I find it I'll FReepMail you.
I seem to recall that he was using the teacher's notes or spelling book. It was spelled wrong on the list he was given by the folk at the school. Set up?
Pinz