Very thoughtful stuff. I had exactly the same thinking about the first 2 points, and have been looking into the rest of Rev. 13 during the past few days. Thank you for sharing. It is very fascinating and thought-provoking to watch the election in the midst of the world financial meltdown while entertain the possibility that perhaps Rev. 13 is being fulfilled right here in America. The worst this election can offer is predicted in the book of Revelation and no vote will hold it back (Rev. 13:7) as pointed out in the following link:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/3347_Let_Christians_Vote_As_Though_They_Were_Not_Voting/