Michael Dukakis, the former governor of Massachusetts, is a highly successful person with a long history of public service. Have you ever questioned his credentials? He presided over Massachusetts as governor twice, from 1983 to 1991 and 1975 to 1979. He led a dramatic economic turnaround during his time in office, creating jobs and enhancing the business environment in the state. In addition, he established a national paradigm for universal health care.

Asked at the start of the final 1988 presidential debate whether he would support the death penalty if his wife were raped and murdered, Michael Dukakis, a lifelong opponent of capital punishment, quickly and coolly said no. It was a surprising, deeply personal, and arguably inappropriate question, but in demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his principles, Dukakis had handled it well. "The reporters sensed it instantly," wrote Roger Simon about the scene at the debate immediately after Dukakis gave his response. "Even though the 90-minute debate was only seconds old, they felt it was already over for Dukakis." Dukakis' poll numbers plummeted, his campaign never recovered, and George H. W. Bush became the 41st President of the United States.