October Surprise

By OliviaEF07

  • A Forged Letter Almost Becomes Garfield's 'Death Warrant'

    A Forged Letter Almost Becomes Garfield's 'Death Warrant'
    James Garfield (republican candidate) called for limitations on Chinese immigration rather than the immediate ban that democrats wanted. 12 days before the election, a forged letter was released to the public, stating that Garfield said "unrestricted Chinese immigration is good for business."

  • FDR Almost Loses the Black Vote

    FDR Almost Loses the Black Vote
    In 1936, FDR held 71% of the Black vote, however when segregation was still commonplace in the US, public opinion started to change. When Stephen Early, FDR's press aide kneed a black police officer due to his short temper, political significance was pinned to the event.

  • Kissinger Prematurely Announces "Peace" in Vietnam

    Kissinger Prematurely Announces "Peace" in Vietnam
    Henry Kissinger, national security advisor to Richard Nixon, attended a press conference and claimed that "peace is at hand" in reference to the Vietnam War. However, this was not the case, and the war continued for 3 more years.

  • Reagan Campaign Coins the Term "October Surprise"

    Reagan Campaign Coins the Term "October Surprise"
    The Iranian Hostage Crisis in which 50 US citizens were held hostage in Tehran led the "October Surprise" when Ronald Reagan's campaign manager suspected that Jimmy Carter had secured the release of the hostages but was waiting to announce it just before the campaign. However, in reality the hostages were released hours after Reagan's inauguration.

  • Iran-Contra Indictment Is Bad News for George H.W. Bush

    Iran-Contra Indictment Is Bad News for George H.W. Bush
    Caspar Weinberger, Reagan's secretary of defense was indicted for his involvement in the Iran-Contra Affair. George H.W. Bush, presidential candidate was Reagan's vice president, so their names were connected.

  • A DUI Almost Derails George W. Bush

    A DUI Almost Derails George W. Bush
    Fox News published a story that Bush was arrested for drunk driving in Maine. Bush admitted to his faults and mistakes, and it cost him 5 states.

  • FBI Reopens Probe into Clinton's Emails

    FBI Reopens Probe into Clinton's Emails
    October 7: The Washington Post post released a video of Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women. The New York Times reported Trump hadn't paid federal taxes in 18 years. October 28: FBI director announces that they are reopening the investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server