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The October surprise

The latest salvo from the bin Laden repertoire was evidently timed to impact the US polls. But it remains to be seen if at the end of the day, either of the candidate will benefit from the bin Laden factor. The resurfacing of an apparently hale and hearty bin Laden may provide the Democratic challenger Kerry with yet another stick to beat President Bush. In fact, Kerry is already seeking to drive home the point that even when the so-called war on terror was far from over, Bush had rushed into Iraq. Kerry has been quick to capitalise on the fact that bin Laden was alive planning another strike on America because the Republican president had not seriously pursued him. Obviously, candidate Kerry, who finds it difficult to take on the commander-in-chief of an America that is at war, cannot let go of the opportunity to attack the incumbent president.

Like it or not, the presidential candidates have been forced to join the debate initiated by bin Laden. The tape, coming as it does days before the Americans are to vote in a crucial and bitterly fought election, has understandably stunned the US voters as well as candidates. From 24/7 television channels to newspapers, pundits are feverishly debating the intent and purpose of the Al Qaeda message.

While the extremist outfit may not have intended to time the terror message with the US poll, it has managed to introduce the fear factor in the campaign.

The Americans have been served notice that three years after 9/11, their world remains unsafe despite the much-trumpeted war on terror. In his own chilling way, the Al Qaeda chief has reminded the American voters that the circumstances that led to the September 11 strikes continue to exist. Doubtless, in the next couple of crucial days before the poll as the Americans weigh their final options; it is their worldview that is likely to determine their vote.

Interestingly, both the Republicans and the Democrats had feared an October surprise from each other that could potentially tilt the scales either way. The two candidates could have hardly suspected that it’s bin Laden who had the October surprise up his sleeve.