Losing thousands of Americans before the election to a sneak attack by suitcase nukes, bios or chemos would mean martial law would be immediately declared and goodbye election. It might take years to get back to some kind of normal, not to mention the destruction of the economy at the same time. Don't forget 9/11's effect on the economy. Martial law mght also mean the forced ejection of all Muslims and possibly other illegals. It might also mean the jailing of the American anti-war activists including the RAT leadership.
The rag heads had better not use that attack strategy because our response would be devastating for them wherever they are.