(CNN) – It's Halloween on Friday, but campaign aides to Barack Obama and John McCain may be spooked for another reason: Events that dominated the news in the dwindling days before the previous two presidential elections may have been game-changers.
Aides to Sen. John Kerry were increasingly confident of victory four days before the 2004 election, believing the Massachusetts senator performed strongly in three debates with President Bush and was buoyed by polls showing a last-minute surge for the Democratic ticket.
But that was before Osama bin Laden weighed in.
On Friday, October 29, the 9/11 mastermind released a videotape to Arab television network al-Jazeera, in which he condemned President Bush's response to the 9/11 attacks and told the American people, "Your security is in your own hands."
From CNN Politics
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Palin, our very own domestic terrorist, is more horrific and terrifying than any bin Laden tape.
October surprise?
If John McCain loses this race he did it to himself.
This man has been all over the map. He didn't have a theme, he always says, "I'm going to lower taxes" but her NEVER says how. His health care plan is a joke. I visited McCains website early on and believe me if you aren't rich you are not going to prosper under a McCain rule.
Is going to run the white house like he's run this race?
NOVEMBER SUPRISE: Justice Dept accused of widespread voter suppression on election day. Don't forget who runs the executive branch.
the only surprise is mcbush's concession speech on election night...he probably is going to still be talking about palling w/ terrorists
I think that what Obama wants to do for foreclosure owners is a great thing. If I was behind in my mortgage and needed a 90 day break, I would be glad I had that opportunity. It would only be the greed of some of us that would take advantage of that opportunity and not necessarily need it. Which is why we as Americans have to get back to an honorable society, one that does not take advantage and help each other. Does this make any sense? A lot of family values have gone out the window.
These opportunities are put out there to help the poor and unfortunate!
SUPPORT OBAMA (VOTE)
Even if Osama did resurface, Barack has strong foreign policy advisors to tackle that and not send us into a fourth war. Thanks Joe Biden and Rep. Hagel!!!!! Obama-Biden08
The surprise this year is Joe The Plumber! Barak let slip his true intentions to the nation and that clogged Obama's sink and it's overflowing onto the floor and now he's slipping and sliding and stumbling to get to the door.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.
Here's the October surprise...that this election is still close...WAKE UP AMERICA AND VOTE OBAMA/ BIDEN '08 !!!
WHITE MALE HOCKEY DAD
Yeah and we all know those bin Laden tapes are sooooo real. *rolls eyes* Omg... wouldn't it be TOO convenient for "bin Laden" to weigh in at the last minute?? Hahaha... I really hope more people are wising up about this garbage... (I'm pointing at you too, CNN).
Actually, an Osama Bin Laden tape might HELP Obama. He's been stating all along that we took our eye off the ball (and Osama) by getting involved in Iraq. Having Osama flex his muscles now would help drive the point home that America has been involved heavily with a country that didn't attack us and have not been able to deal with the actual threat to our sovereignty due to the horrible distractions from Iraq. If we hadn't been involved in a war that McSame got us into, then Osama would be a non-person by now.
to all undecided voters or those even leaning to McCain:
Please, inform yourself! Read "THE MAKE-BELIEVE MAVERICK" from the ROLLING STONE magazin. It will open your eyes on who this man really is! As a foreigner, who cannot vote in your election, it scares me a lot that such a man could even get that close to the power.
Please vote smart! The world is looking at you! And McCain/Palin are really dangerous to your country and to the world!
Jeremiah Wright as Sec of State? Think about it? Why don't you START thinking for a change? Although in all honesty, Palin as VP is even scarier.
Release your health records, Sarah!! Why is she not releasing them and what is she hiding?
There are some Americans that would let some last minute "event" shape their vote. I don't think very highly of these Americans.
One candidate is head-n-shoulders above the other and no October surprise should change that.
I'll be Voting for "THAT ONE"!
The big suprise will be on November 5th when Liddy Dole has to eat her Godless ad....can't wait to see that. Go NC it's time ya'all turn that state BLUE.
reagan... how can that be true? Isn't BUSH the president? She must make a ton of money that's why she pays NOTHING... there are some freaking ignorant people in this forum
Does everyone remember the mess that W's daddy left for President Clinton? Funny how he committed troops to Somolia in December after he lost his re-election bid. Seems this is the only stratedy that Bush 2 is taking from the Bush 1 paybook
Anything is possible in election especially if the republicans are losing it. The Obama people should be on the alert that some unthinkable thing can me manufactured that can be costly for them.
October Surprises only work if the race is close. This race..is NOT close.
OBAMA..OH EIGHT
Fear, hate and lies – yep sounds like the Rupublian Party. Is that the best they can do. What a bunch of pathetic LOSERS!
I'd rather be a Socialist than a Nazi. The end of the Fourth Reich draws near. It's time to unite this country – not divide.
Four more days and GOODBYE GOP!
OBAMA/BIDEN ROCK IN '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Only if it's in the form of another "false flag" operation like 9/11
Look. All the stops will be pulled out. Count on it. Including ON and possibly AFTER election day. Power does not concede without a fight. Frankly, we have a rather calm democracy compared to some countries. I just don't want to see insurrection on election day.
Osama can webcast for all I care. Scare tactics will not work if the American populace were informed and resolute. That is a test of us, not the candidates.
mcshame and company needs to put on their McCarthy outfits to show that public why congressman lewis said what he did-at least this time we would be able to see the senator in action.
October 31st, 2008 3:08 pm ET
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CNN,
,,,,,,,,Just Shut Up,,,,,,
it would happen if u talk about how much $$$$$$ Sarah Palin spent to remodel her office from the taxpayers $$$$……
Helloooooooo…..CNN, why there is no report about this??
She is no leader, she is no reformer..
CNN is bed W/ Republicans....(Lou Dobbes & Gleen Beck)
Even if bin Laden were to come out with a statement, I think there is simply too much concern about the economy and other Obama strengths....
What strengths? All he has so far is this message, "CHANGE...HOPE..." Everyone has it since the birth of mankind. What changes or hopes that Obama had that benefited the MAJORITY of Americans in his years of public service. Name just one. I challenge you.
Someone mentioned that his greatest accomplishment so far has been the ability to get people out to vote. But the majority of the additional voters had been much less involved in politics and less experienced...