But game-changers and shake-ups in the weeks before the election have been around for more than 150 years. The incumbent, Martin Van Buren, had been dubbed “Martin Van Ruin” because of an economic downturn during his term. 1880 — Every presidential election in this decade had an October surprise. Garfield lost California but still won the election by one of the narrowest margins in history. Cleveland won the popular vote but lost the electoral college, and with it the election.

Source: Washington Post October 10, 2020 10:52 UTC