'October Surprise' – What Could Derail Harris and Trump?

We're entering the final days of the 2024 presidential election, but a lot can change in a few weeks.

Historically, several presidential contests have been upended in October. Coined the "October Surprise," for decades candidates have been tested at the finish line... and many have faltered.

In 2016, the "Comey Letter" damaged Hillary Clinton's favorability, and in 2020, Hunter Biden's discovered laptop threatened to derail Joe Biden. In both of these elections, Donald Trump was tralling in the polls-as he is now with Kamala Harris-so could a last-second surprise ensure victory for Trump?

On Tuesday, October 15, join us for a panel conversation about the final weeks of the 2024 presidential election, and what our political experts expect to see on election day, November 5.

We'll hear from Rachel Bitecofer, political scientist, pollster, and election forecaster turned political strategist; Jonathan M. Metzl, professor of sociology and psychiatry and the director of the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society at Vanderbilt University; and Tara Setmayer, cofounder and chief executive officer of The Seneca Project, who will join Ray Suarez to discuss the state of the race.

Notes

WITH SPECIAL SUPPORT FROM MARK AND MAUREE JANE PERRY… AND ANNE AND GREG AVI

Photos courtesy the speakers.

October 15, 2024

Speakers

Rachel Bitecofer
Political Strategist and Pollster; Author, Hit 'Em Where It Hurts

Jonathan M. Metzl
Author, Dying of Whiteness and What We've Become

Tara Setmayer
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Seneca Project

Ray Suarez
Host, "On Shifting Ground"

On this YouTube channel, you can find recordings of past live World Affairs programs, recordings of recent internationally-themed CCWA programs, and audio recordings of our weekly radio show and podcast “On Shifting Ground with Ray Suarez.”