In American political jargon, an “October Surprise” is a term used to characterize late-breaking and potentially game-changing information leading up to an election, particularly a presidential election.  It was first used in the 1972 Presidential election of Richard Nixon, regarding the Vietnam War and a speech made by Henry Kissinger predicting “peace is at hand”.  More recently, the photo-op of NJ Governor Chris Christie and President Obama walking on the NJ shore following Hurricane Sandy was seen by some as the October Surprise that ensured Obama’s re-election to a second term.  It remains to be seen whether or not the Ebola outbreak in America will surprise Senate Democrats and their quest to maintain control of the Senate.

Personally, my October surprise came in the form of a powerful cold front earlier this month that ripped a portion of our metal roof off our home.  It has been a game-changer for me, redirecting my focus away from the mid-term election, while wading through insurance policies, cosmetic clauses and getting quotes for both repair and/or replacement costs – should we successfully win our claim for the latter.  Someone did ask me recently for my thoughts on a few statewide offices.  Never short on opinion or passion I filled his ear.  Hopefully I can “get a grasp – at least in outline” – for our local paper.  Channeling Aristotle . . .