White House Doesn't See Saddam Trial As October Surprise
White House officials said that they do not expect Iraq to put former dictator
Saddam Hussein on trial before Election Day, something Democrats have
suggested would amount to an "October Surprise" to boost the
president's bid by drawing attention to America's military victory in
Iraq. The officials said that it could take "months to years" to
prepare for the trial and that it is highly unlikely that it would
begin before November 2.
Of all the October surprises the administration would like to spring, said insiders, foremost is the capture of Osama bin Laden. But the White House has no expectations that will
happen on cue and officials in New York for the GOP convention said
that there are few other conceivable events that would have the effect of
changing the outcome of the election.
