Why the 2004 election and 2012 election were really similer

[Sumner 1868]

There are indeed several similarities. But here's some key differences:

-Whereas voters preferred Kerry on domestic issues by a healthy margin, Romney was not viewed positively in foreign or domestic affairs.

-There was no "main" issue in 2004, to the point that gay marriage may well have shifted the election. In 2012, it was about the economy, despite some hackish nonsense about abortion/Benghazi.

-Voter turnout decreased from 57% to 54% between 2008 and 2012. Turnout increased between 2000 and 2004 from barely 50% to 55%.

-Third parties did well in 2012, whereas in 2004 "anybody but Bush" lead many who generally voted third party to vote for Kerry.

-Kerry never made a gaffe as major as the 47% Romney spoke of.

Actually, Bush won 50% of the vote, with Kerry at 48%.

[Sumner 1868]

Both challengers were from Massachusetts too.

America does not like rich white male politicians from Massachusetts with slick hair

JFK

Well, no, given he probably won because of vote fraud...