How did Richard Nixon and John McCain make a come back in 1968 and 2008 respectively after losing previously?

What did they do differently in their 2nd try for the White House?

Public Comments

1. There is big difference. Nixon lost to Kennedy 'cause people was tired of the Republican administration Eisenhower, so they elected Kennedy, a democrat. 1968 Nixon won the election 'cause people was tired of democrats' Viet Nam war, and in fact Nixon put an end to the American occupation in the SE Asia. Now people is tired of the Iraq war (is more: people prefer to ignore it, maybe because they are conscious that anger is bad to the health). It is very unlikely McCain be elected this time. The cost of this war is being paid by the people with least income: the mortgage crisis, gas prices, food prices, unemployment and this is only the beginning. People with more than $100,000.oo won't feel the crisis. They are very likely to vote Republican.
2. Nothing! They were what we thought was the best?