Actually, this is reminiscent of 2008, Obama was behind in the overall polls but was ahead of McCain in the economy, a financial crisis played right into his hands and he never looked back. Fast forward to 2012, Obama is leading in polls regarding his “foreign policy” why not have an international crisis, and capitalize on his “strength?”. This election is over, take it to the bank.
Actually, if Romney plays his cards right, this incident might be a re-run of the Iranian hostage crisis that sealed Carter's fate. McCain lost because Obama outspent him 3 to 1. Obama's margin was a paltry 6%. Reagan and Carter spent the same amount, and Reagan beat a sitting president by 10%, despite RINO John Anderson taking votes (7%) from Reagan as an independent candidate.
In 2008, McCain was trying to protect the status quo in face of a crisis.
In 2012, Obama is trying to protect the status quo in face of a crisis.
Neither is a good position for the American people. We tend to blame those in charge.
That might work if Obama looked good during the crisis; however, he has looked anything but good. And the Middle East looks worse than ever.