The decision to make her VP was almost certainly calculated, but what I’m not sure about is if both the GOP-e and McLame agreed to that calculated decision, or if one certain person demanded this at the complaint of the rest.
I remember hearing it as a Bill Kristol suggestion, but someone higher up had to agree with his suggestion.
What reason he agreed to it is in my view probably more pragmatic then agreement with her politically.
Meh, such is the nature of politics....you do what you have to do to win.