What ‘October Surprises’ Loom?

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney both campaigned in the battleground state of Ohio in September. (AP)

Both presidential candidates are prepping for Wednesday’s debate. Most polls show President Obama leading rival Mitt Romney nationally and widening his lead in key swing states.

But it’s October, the month political operatives worry about — famous for surprises that have changed the game in many campaigns. This October begins with a debate followed by a jobs report on Friday.

• Washington Post: The Most Important Week Of the Campaign
• New York Times: Now Entering The Month Of Surprise

Guest:

• Michael Shear, national political reporter for the New York Times and lead writer for the paper’s Caucus Blog.