Question 85 what was one reason people opposed the war in iraq? health care should take priority. the economy was not strong enough to support a war in the middle east. only a few allies were willing to . the united states had started a war without provocation from another country. 5 points question 86 what role did the war in iraq and the collapse of the economy play in the 2008 presidential election? they unified the country behind the efforts of both candidates. they distracted people from voting. they didn’t affect the election because people were more concerned about skyrocketing energy costs. they were the two key issues of the election. 5 points question 87 what was significant about the outcome of the 2008 presidential election? the united states elected its first african american president. it was the closest race in american history. the winning candidate had been a prisoner of war. a woman ran for vice president for the first time.