2004, you had a sitting president in a time of war. If Kerry didn't reassure everyone that he would keep them safe, Bush would get the benefit of the doubt. Likewise, the evangelicals overwhelmingly supported Bush on the ground---a difference that in OH gave him the election.
McCain has floundered on every issue except oil---but that issue is fading. McCain's silly unwillingness to actually FIGHT has "Bush-ized" him. All he can do is sit an take it.
“Huge difference, and you know it.”
this time we have a Marxist-socialist bent on fascism running for POTUS.
It sure is a hugely different type of election this time around.