[x]

Did the Obama team assume a crises in foreign policy would generate a “Rally to flag” effect and help 0 in the election?

Because it worked out so well for Carter?

[MNJohnnie]

It did work for Carter initially, what hurt Carter was how long the crises dragged out coupled with the disastrous state of the US Economy. Remember Carter lead all thur Sept and Oct 1980 in the polling