WASHINGTON (July 29, 2012)--Former Vice President Dick Cheney says it was a mistake for Republican Sen. John McCain to pick Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee in 2008.

Cheney said he liked Palin, but she didn't pass the test of being ready to be president and Cheney says McCain's campaign didn't handle the vetting process well.

Republican challenger Mitt Romney is expected to announce a running mate in August and is widely expected to choose someone perceived as competent, but safe.

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

The larger list includes politicians who want to be viewed as under consideration to boost their standing.

Cheney says a second much shorter list includes only those who are actually being considered.