Fear throws its hat into the 2016 ring

In 2004, the terrorism issue spelled doom for Democrats. It was the first presidential election after 9/11. Democrat John Kerry was challenging President George W. Bush's re-election.

Republicans turned the election into a referendum on terrorism. "We are not yet safe," Vice President Dick Cheney declared. "Threats are still out there. The terrorists are still plotting and planning, trying to find ways to attack the United States." Democrats accused Republicans of exploiting fear. "A true leader inspires hope and vanquishes fear," Senator Edward Kennedy said. "This administration does neither. Instead, it brings fear."