October surprise

Definition

A news event or revelation deliberately timed to drop shortly before an election to maximize impact and minimize response time. Democracy's ambush marketing strategy.

Example Usage

The campaign suspected an October surprise was coming when opposition researchers were spotted at the county courthouse reviewing property records.

Origin

Coined during the 1980 presidential election when Reagan's team worried about Carter negotiating a hostage release before election day

Fun Fact

Some campaigns prepare 'October surprise response teams' ready to react to unexpected revelations in the campaign's final weeks.

Source: Campaign strategy terminology

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