Why October Surprises have long scared US presidential candidates

“I expect something will occur in October, as it always does… There will be focused attempts to misrepresent Kamala Harris, her character, beliefs, and achievements,” cautioned Democrat Hillary Clinton. This warning from the former Secretary of State came in early October, with the US Presidential Election just weeks away. Clinton’s caution to Harris invoked the notorious ‘October Surprise,’ as she is well aware of the impact such a surprise can have on a presidential candidate.

Also Read : Harris Holds Slim Lead as Trump Rallies Intensify

The October Surprise

The term ‘October Surprise’ originally emerged in the early 20th century, referring to a department store clothing sale promoted in fall newspaper ads, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Over time, it gained political significance in the US, a country fascinated with slang. By the 1980s, ‘October Surprise’ became a common term used by political commentators to describe a significant event, often planned, that could harm one candidate’s chances while benefiting the other in the US Presidential election. This event usually occurs in October, the month before the critical November election, which is how the term got its name.

Also Read : Zomato CEO Denied Mall Lift Access While Picking Up Order

WILL OCTOBER 2024 SURPRISE THE US BEFORE NOVEMBER ?

With the first anniversary ,7 Hamas attack on Israel, the Middle East on the verge of all-out war, and concerns raised by Hillary Clinton about social media disinformation from Russia, Iran, China, and pro-Trump media, the ‘October Surprise’ looms again ahead of the closely contested November election. It that has repeatedly disrupted or appeared poised to disrupt American presidential elections over the years, might be making a comeback.

Also Read : CBI charges Sanjay Roy with raping and murdering a doctor