October Surprise

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• SOURCE: Iowa Public Radio
  10/6/2020
  

  A History Of October Surprises (audio)

  Although Trump's COVID diagnosis was, perhaps, unexpected, October Surprises have historically involved presidents announcing policy initiatives to improve their reelection prospects. Presidential historians Tim Naftali and Tim Walch discuss.

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• SOURCE: The Nation
  11-2-16
  

  How ‘The New York Times’ Whitewashed the 1968 ‘October Surprise’—and Why It Still Matters

  by Greg Grandin

  Ever since Nixon and Kissinger undermined the Vietnam peace talks to win that election, politicians have used militarism abroad to defeat domestic opponents.

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• SOURCE: USA Today
  10-30-16
  

  Clinton's email, and the history of October surprises

  Although the term "October surprise" didn't come into vogue until the late 20th century, they've been a political reality since the 1800s.

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• SOURCE: Politico
  10-4-16
  

  15 October Surprises That Wreaked Havoc on Politics

  Think Trump’s tax return is shocking? It's just the latest in a long history of election-upending last-minute revelations.