[lexusppd]

The popularity of the sitting president as a factor in the race is was overblown. In 2000 Clinton allegedly had a 60-65% approval rating and Gore lost. In Iraq the majority of Americans want us there until the job is done, ie until the Iraqis can maintain their own security. As for the economy, it was touted as the best ever by the Dems in 2000, all to no avail..

[kabar]

Gore won the popular vote and barely lost the electoral vote.

In Iraq the majority of Americans want us there until the job is done, ie until the Iraqis can maintain their own security

What do you base that on? Most Americans believe the war was a mistake. I don't, but that is the perception.

As for the economy, it was touted as the best ever by the Dems in 2000, all to no avail..

Rising food and energy costs convey their own message. As do declining home values. No spin needed. You really can't compare 2000 to 2008.