October Surprise

  • A Forged Letter Almost Becomes Garfield’s ‘Death Warrant’

    A Forged Letter Almost Becomes Garfield’s ‘Death Warrant’
    This letter was intended to undermine Garfield's reputation and political standing, which puts his life at risk.
  • FDR Almost Loses the Black Vote

    FDR Almost Loses the Black Vote
    Examines challenges President Franklin D. Roosevelt faced when trying to maintain hi African American voters during administration.
  • Kissinger Prematurely Announces ‘Peace’ in Vietnam

    Kissinger Prematurely Announces ‘Peace’ in Vietnam
    Henry Kissinger, then National Security Advisor, prematurely says a peace agreement has been done in Vietnam during negotiations, though the conflict continued for several more years.
  • Reagan Campaign Coins the Term ‘October Surprise’

    Reagan Campaign Coins the Term ‘October Surprise’
    Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign talked about a attempt by the Reagan team to delay the release of American hostages in Iran until after election.
  • Iran-Contra Indictment Is Bad News for George H.W. Bush

    Iran-Contra Indictment Is Bad News for George H.W. Bush
    A political scandal involved the secret sale of arms to Iran and diversion of funds to Nicaraguan rebels.
  • A DUI Almost Derails George W. Bush

    A DUI Almost Derails George W. Bush
    George got arrested in 1976 for drunk driving and then, the news story was a last-minute gift to Gore, who won the popular vote in 2000, but famously lost the election after a recount in Florida was halted by the Supreme Court.
  • FBI Reopens Probe into Clinton’s Emails

    FBI Reopens Probe into Clinton’s Emails
    FBI's investigates into Hillary Clinton's private email server during her tenure as Secretary Of State. This was days before presidential election.