Too bad this isn't 2004, huh? Otherwise, Obama would be looking pretty good right now. Alas, economic/social conditions are not favorable towards re-election based solely upon personal likeability ratings.
Because there was so little going on in 2004 that the campaign could be entirely about superficial issues like likeability.
The economy was in much better shape in 2004 than 2012. Yes, people were upset about gas being $2.25 a gallon, but what is it now? Yes, there was a war going on, but Bush used that to his advantage ("don't change horses in midstream"). With an economy most Americans do not perceive as recovering, Obama cannot use the line "don't change horses in midstream." Besides, such an argument is kind of absurd when there is no war at hand.
