OPINION:
An “October surprise” is an event that takes place the month before a U.S. presidential election and could influence the outcome. It appears we may be experiencing one now.
First, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters declined to endorse a candidate for president this year — despite the fact that in polling from July to September, a majority of the union’s voting members twice selected Donald Trump for a possible endorsement. Unions have historically been allies of Democratic politicians.
Second, the vice presidential debate exposed Democratic nominee Tim Walz as somewhat of a knucklehead, something he called himself after the event
His veracity was questioned when he said when he had been in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests, which took place in the spring of 1989. It turns out that Mr. Walz didn’t travel there until later in the summer.
Republican J.D. Vance, on the other hand, was clearly more polished, and he likely accomplished what he set out to do: Appear more rational and agreeable than Mr. Trump.
Third, the coup de gras for the Democratic contender may be Hurricane Helene, as it ravaged areas of North Carolina and Georgia. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is running out of funds for relief for American citizens.
Meanwhile, the federal government has spent billions of dollars aiding illegal immigrants. Outrage grows as citizens who have lost everything witness migrants living for free in $300 New York City hotel rooms.
I think many would agree with Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who recently tweeted, “FEMA spending $1.4B on illegals while they leave American’s stranded and without help is treasonous.”
The combination of these events may voters who are on the fence about voting for Mr. Trump (or voting at all). Either way, it is not good for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
RON PHIPPS
Annapolis, Maryland
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