Expect the unexpected,especially during the month before a U.S. presidential election. It’s called an October surprise. The term describes a revelation or event that happens just before voters go to the polls. It might be a deliberate act designed to influence the election or a random event that seems to favor one candidate over another. While there have been pre-election surprises throughout U.S. history, the term October surprise entered popular use in 1972, when the administration of President Richard Nixon told the country peace was at hand in the Vietnam war. The announcement was premature. In hindsight, it appeared to be an attempt to strengthen Nixon’s lead in the election. Since then, Americans have been surprised by terrific storms, the release of videotapes, and a stock market crash.