Wolfowitz/Rumsfeld.
Dick Cheney (whom I despise) ate John Edwards alive in the 2004 debate. Cheney did not run in 2008 because of his degenerative heart disease, but he was an incredibly authoritative candidate in debate. He projected strength and competence. That these virtues were often misdirected is another story, but Cheney definitely had the "Strong Leader" part down. I believe he would have been a strong candidate in 2008 (although the Financial Crisis would have kept him from winning). I wouldn't have voted for him. But he would have been tough.
However Cheney was probably more disliked than Rumsfeld. Rumsfeld was very unpopular yes but less people knew him than Cheney and Cheney being at the top of the ticket would cause MASSIVE turnout against him, while Rumsfeld due to being less prominent can attempt to change public perception of him.
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