47% of the people who vote for the president. the want lost. the term gained popularity 44 years ago this week, 1972. richard nixon s national security adviser has late news about the unpopular vietnam war. we believe peace is at hand. he s wrong. the war goes on and so does nixon s presidency and we have had october surprises ever since. 1980, many think that carter will be boosted over reagan by the release of the american hostages in iran. top reagan team member is indicted over the iran contra affair. bill clinton takes the white house.