During every presidential election, thoughts of political candidates, pundits, strategists, and voters turn toward “October surprises” that can propel them or their candidate to victory.

During a previous time of high inflation, rising prices, and skyrocketing mortgage rates, the 1980 presidential election results showed the dissatisfaction of voters. However, in the months leading up to that election, the polls showed Democratic President Jimmy Carter ahead of Republican candidate Ronald Reagan.

Carter had already pulled a surprise to help him win his primary challenge against Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy. In the Wisconsin primary, Carter “offered hints and promises that the [American] hostages in Iran would be released to more friendly hands,” as reported by The Review of the News, one of the predecessors of this magazine. Although nothing came of it, the media dutifully did their job by carrying this news on the morning of the primary — and the result was a landslide for Carter in Wisconsin.

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