One reader sees the parallel:
In a troubled time of war, we get a barely-rebuffed VP who embodies an administration remembered as a halcyon period of peace and prosperity … In ’60, Nixon lost by the hair of his unshorn whiskers in a televised debate; in ’00, Gore lost by the whiff of his sighs in a televised debate… Both lost to more likeable, slightly more hawkish opponents (though JFK never pulled a 29 approval rating)… After bitter defeat, both weather embarrassment (losing California governorship; endorsing Dean), only to regain respect (abetting Republican gains in ’66; joining Apple and Google before they went supernova, making well-received environment movie).
Hmmm. A blogger picked up on the meme as well. TNR weighs in here.
The Dish 