I see a pattern; does America see it too?

Back in the year 1968, when the Vietnam war was raging, a sitting President, Democrat Lyndon Johnson, did not win relection.  He chose not to run.  The Presidency changed party hands, when Americans elected Republican Richard Nixon.

Twelve years later, 1980, incumbent President Jimmy Carter lost to Ronald Reagan.  Some pundits at the time said that the country had swung to the right.

Another twelve years later, 1992, incumbent President George H. W. Bush was defeated by Bill Clinton in a three-way race -- much to the dismay of conservatives.

And here it is another twelve years on, 2004, and incumbent President George W. Bush is in a close battle with Senator John Kerry for the Presidency.

Will Mr. Bush end the pattern and triumph, or will Mr. Kerry ride the wave to victory?

Taken the arrogance -- and the record -- of the Bush administration, I sure hope that the Republicans have "jumped the shark."