The difference is that Obama is an extremely polarizing figure, and it would be quite tough for him to win by more than 52% or so. It would be very tough to see him doing much better than he is now.
Perhaps a solid win, but a landslide isn't going to happen.
I think it's a difficult proposition to say that Obama will get an '80 or '88 style win--however--the polls are showing that Obama does not inspire as broad disapproval or reluctance as he once did, and also that he's never been as polarizing as any candidate running since '88. His approval ratings went up following the debates. They're quite strong. Obama himself is not a polarizing person except insofar as he's held back by racism, given that the country is overwhelmingly favoring generic Democrats these days. His demeanor and approach have been designed to overcome polarization.
