Let's Do The Time Warp Again

Does anyone else feel like we've ridden a time machine back to '04?

-- Yesterday, it was Dems claiming Pres. Bush was trying to "Swift Boat" Obama on terrorism. Today, it's gay marriage. Both issues played a big role in Kerry vs. Bush, but will they have same pull this year?

-- WH '08ers were notably "finessed" in their responses. And they will most likely sidestep the CA ballot measure to overturn the court's decision. But who's got the most to gain/lose from the ongoing battle?

-- While debate still rages on whether the anti-gay marriage ban fueled Bush's OH win, could it have a similar impact in CA? But will even a huge surge in GOP turnout won't be enough to tip the state McCain's way? (The Governator's decision to come out against the ban doesn't help).

-- More important, w/the economy sputtering and voters frustrated w/the status quo, will issues like gay marriage hold sway beyond the activist base? McCain and Obama have big differences on issues more salient to most voters, like Iraq, taxes and health care. Do they need/want to make this issue a major point of contention?