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A Forged Letter Almost Becomes Garfield’s ‘Death Warrant’
In 1880, a forged letter nearly led to the downfall of the popular comic character Garfield. The letter, crafted to mislead, implied a scandal that could have damaged the reputation of the character and the comic strip itself. However, the situation was resolved before it could have serious consequences, allowing Garfield to continue captivating audiences. The incident highlights the vulnerability of public figures to misinformation and the importance of verification in media. -
FDR Almost Loses the Black Vote (1940)
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt faced a significant risk of losing the Black vote due to his administration's failure to address civil rights issues and the ongoing discrimination faced by African Americans. Tensions rose when he did not fully support anti-lynching legislation and other measures that would protect Black citizens. This dissatisfaction led to increased mobilization within the Black community, culminating in a push to hold FDR accountable. -
Kissinger Prematurely Announces ‘Peace’ in Vietnam
In October 1972, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger announced a breakthrough in peace talks regarding the Vietnam War, declaring that "peace is at hand." This premature announcement was intended to boost President Nixon's re-election campaign by suggesting a swift end to the conflict. However, the reality was more complex, as fighting continued and negotiations were still ongoing. -
Reagan Campaign Coins the Term ‘October Surprise’
During the 1980 presidential campaign, the term "October Surprise" emerged after allegations surfaced that the Reagan campaign had negotiated with Iran to delay the release of American hostages until after the election. This strategy aimed to undermine President Jimmy Carter's re-election bid, as the prolonged hostage crisis was a significant issue. -
Iran-Contra Indictment Is Bad News for George H.W. Bush
In 1992, the Iran-Contra scandal resurfaced, leading to the indictment of several former officials involved in the controversial operations during the Reagan administration. The scandal revolved around secret U.S. arms sales to Iran, with proceeds funneled to support Contra rebels in Nicaragua, circumventing Congress. As the investigation unfolded, it posed significant political challenges for then-President George H.W. Bush, who had served as Reagan's vice president. -
A DUI Almost Derails George W. Bush
In 1976, a DUI arrest nearly derailed George W. Bush's political future. At the time, he was a young man in his 30s, and the incident could have severely impacted his reputation and ambitions. However, Bush was able to navigate the situation, keeping it relatively low-profile until it resurfaced later during his presidential campaigns. He publicly acknowledged his past mistakes, framing them as part of his personal growth. -
FBI Reopens Probe into Clinton’s Emails
In late October 2016, just days before the presidential election, the FBI announced it was reopening its investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her time as Secretary of State. The decision came after new emails were discovered on a laptop belonging to former Congressman Anthony Weiner, which prompted concerns about potential mishandling of classified information.