October Surprise Posted on Monday, November 1, 2004 Well, going against all wisdom and historical precident, about one month ago I predicted an October surprise. We never had one before and we didn't have one in '04 I guessed wrong. I bet on it with someone (forget who) on this site in a burried thread. Well, here I am to live up to the bet and admit that I was wrong. While I am here (been away a while) let me just also say that I am deeply saddened by what I think is about to happen. I think the country (and the world) will survive a crappy (US) president with far less harm done than it will when the electoral system is damaged. Electoral College reform is ok with me but the continued denegration of the electoral system in the US (which is what we will have if there are November 3rd lawsuits) will have much farther reaching implications. I am still rooting for Bush but I care much less about who we get as long as we get someone and there is no dispute about it (imagined or otherwise). The situation is highly complex and in need of reform but a firm commitment to get behind our President is more important than anything else after tomorrow. I fear that we will not have it. However, there is a silver lining: With Bush in again, then McCain/Juliani can run in '08 and with Kerry in then Hillary is out of it, very probably for good and McCain/Juliani can still run in '08. But that's some more pure speculation on my part. I wont bet on it this time Besides, anyone seen McCain lately? He is getting a bit long in the tooth eh? Ahh well. If I were a praying man, I'd pray for our future and for the American system and against fraud or Nov. 3rd manipulations. But I'm not, so I will just hope beyond hope that it doesn't come to what I think it is coming to.