Dick Cheney says picking Sarah Palin for Vice President was a 'mistake'

PUBLISHED: 10:05 EST, 29 July 2012 | UPDATED: 12:01 EST, 29 July 2012

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has some advice for Mitt Romney on choosing a running mate dont pick another Sarah Palin.

Cheney says it was a mistake for Republican Sen. John McCain to pick Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee.

In his first interview since receiving a heart transplant in March, 71-year-old Cheney toldABC news that Palin didnt pass the test of being ready to be president.

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Mistake: Former VP Dick Cheney says John McCain made 'a mistake' in picking Sarah Palin as his running mate

Cheney, who served as vice president for eight years, revealed that he privately offered his advice to Romney and Beth Myers, who is leading the search for Romneys running mate.

Although Cheney did not expand on the expertise he offered, his assessment of McCains choice in Sarah Palin was explicit.

That one,' Cheney said, 'I dont think was well handled.'

'I like Governor Palin. Ive met her. I know her. She attractive candidate. But based on her background, shed only been governor for, what, two years. I dont think she passed that testof being ready to take over. And I think that was a mistake, he told the news station.

Error: 71-year-old Dick Cheney said Sarah Palin didnt pass the test of being ready to be president and that John McCain's vetting process was badly handled

Cheney, whose own unpopularity was a flashpoint for the Bush administration, says there are two lists that candidates maintain.

The bigger list includes politicians who want to be viewed as under consideration to boost their standing. Cheney says a second, much shorter list contains those who are actually being considered.

In the running: Romney is expected to announce a running mate in August

Romney is expected to announce a running mate in August. He is widely expected to choose someone perceived as competent but safe.

Advisers to Romney have intimated that the front runners for the position are Tim Pawlenty, the former Minnesota governor, Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.

However, Senator John Thune of South Dakota recently revealed he has spoken to the Romney campaign about the vice-presidential slot and Romney has said that Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is being vetted.

The names of Governors Chris Christie of New Jersey and Bob McDonnell of Virginia have also been mentioned.

Condoleezza Rice, the former US Secretary of State, had been seriously considered while Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire is another female vice-presidential possibility.

On July 5, Romney indicated that he was close to finalising his pick, saying: I have an idea in mind, but that's something I'm keeping that close with my team.