The Iraq war was not one of the pivotal issues here. It has been ignored by both major parties in the campaign, and was only a focus for some minor parties, mainly the anti-war platform of the Greens and Democrats.

This is tacit approval for the war at best, but undoubtably cheering for Republicans, as I agree that Howard will undoubtably follow Bush, if Bush gets in aswell.

Also note that by a quirk that both of our systems share, Howard may not have got in by a majority of votes, although I still have to check that I admit.