The October Surprise

In election years, there is always talk about what the "October Surprise" might be -- something unexpected that happens just in time to influence voters.   It could be the economic collapse of 2008, or a scandal in an incumbent's staff, or . . . anything.

This year it seems to be Ebola.   Not just the outbreak in Africa but the handling of the cases here in this country.   Republicans, of course, have been trying to blame it on Obama and exploit his "failure" for their purposes.

Now we have this very interesting situation:    Republican governor Chris Christie of New Jersey and Democratic governor (up for re-election) Mario Cuomo of New York have jointly decided to impose a 21 day quarantine on anyone arriving at the two international airports of New York who had had contact with Ebola patients in Africa.

This may be about to backfire on them.   The Obama administration is pushing back.   The head of the CDC's Infectious Disease division was on tv this morning saying the quarantine was not necessary and could have negative consequences that would threaten the public health globally.    U. N. Ambassador Samantha Power, on a tour of the West African countries, made similar remarks on NBC.

A senior administration official said the governors' decision was "uncoordinated, very hurried, an immediate reaction to the New York City case that "doesn’t comport with science.”

To me, the most telling thing is that the governors did not even consult with their own health departments about it.  And then Christie says he "has no second thoughts" about it.   Of course, he doesn't.   That's his style -- bluster, bully, and bull-headed.

No second thoughts, even when he has made false statements.    He said the doctor who has Ebola "didn't follow the Doctors Without Borders protocol, when he actually did.  And he said the nurse, who is not even symptomatic, is "obviously ill," but provides no evidence for saying that.

The legality may be challenged in court.  The asymptomatic nurse currently in quarantine is said to be hiring a lawyer and claiming that her rights are being violated.

October surprise, indeed !!!

Ralph