In the Iowa caucuses, Glenn finished fifth. In New Hampshire, he came in a distant third, with less than 12 per cent of the vote. He did no better than fourth in any of the “Super Tuesday” states that were supposed to be his strongest.

What happened? Part of the reason is that the icon with the American-hero story was less than inspiring as a speaker. This shortcoming was on display as far back as 1976, when he was being considered as a possible Carter running mate, and his keynote speech at the Democratic convention proved downright enervating. As Dave Barry described Glenn’s charisma: “he couldn’t electrify a fish tank if he threw a toaster into it.”

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