Two main differences between the 96 election and this year's.

We are in 2 wars.
There is no incumbent (like Clinton).

The only reason Dole is compared to McCain is age.
If we were fighting a war in 96' then Dole's military service would have been critical.

McCain is conservative on national security, the economy and values.

There will be a clear cut idealogical difference between McCain and the Democratic candidate that should swing in McCain's favor.