I see more similarities for the election of 2012 with the elections of 1968 and 1980. Johnson was very successful legislatively (as has Obama) expanding government and presiding over a difficult war, the economy was basically flat-line and obvious civil unrest throughout the nation.
President Carter was elected following a traumatic national scandal (Watergate) and had a major foreign affairs issue at the close of his presidency (Iran hostage crises).
The Republican party was certainly weakened following the 2008 financial collapse, but had already lost key battles during the 2006 election including House control. The 2012 election has qualities of 1968 in the fact that there is still a continuing war, the economy will still likely be flat-lined, and as we saw in 2010, there is still a sense of a need for change, but not the kind that Obama (or Johnson/Democrats echoed in 68') is pushing. The Obama administrations ineptness in Foreign affairs reminds one also of Carter, mainly the sense of 'deer in the headlights' non action, similar to 78'-79'. The fact that 30-years of inaction on a cohesive, 'progressive' energy plan will certainly impact this nation in the short term, eerily similar to 78'-79'.
One final thought on 2012, don't underestimate the Supreme Court decision in 2010, Justice Alito caught the ire of the president (and Dems) because this will certainly swing the power of $$$ back toward the center, because the big government/big union $$$ dominated in 2008.
Cheers.
Good point.
