This year, the "October Surprise" that sometimes erupts late in presidential cycles came a month early.
Attacks on American diplomatic outposts in countries swept up in the Arab Spring are changing the dynamics of the contest between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. For now, at least, national security is center stage.
Romney supporters see a parallel with 1980, when the economy was struggling and President Jimmy Carter was burdened with a hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Republican Ronald Reagan won handily.
Comparing Obama to the one-term Carter already had become a popular GOP attack theme even before this week's deadly assault on the U.S. mission in Libya and attacks on U.S. embassies in Egypt and Yemen.
Obama supporters look instead for parallels to 2004, when President George W. Bush — seeking a second term amid a slow recovery — successfully rallied a war-weary electorate by emphasizing his national-security credentials.
National defense is usually a GOP strength, but recent polls show Obama with an edge in this category over the former Massachusetts governor. Romney's response to the crisis, accusing Obama of apologizing for American values and appeasing Islamic extremists, has drawn criticism even from some prominent Republicans.
Romney's quick swing at Obama — as the crisis was unfolding in the Middle East and North Africa — was glaringly at odds with the more statesmanlike responses Wednesday from GOP leaders in Congress
On Thursday, Romney recalibrated his remarks and paid tribute to the four slain Americans in Libya, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. "What a tragedy," he told a rally in Fairfax, Va.
But, in a pointed reference to the outbreak of violence at U.S. missions, Romney said, "sometimes it seems that we're at the mercy of events instead of shaping events."
"The world needs American leadership, the Middle East needs American leadership," Romney said.
Obama campaigned in Golden, Colo.
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With 54 days left until Election Day, here are insights into today's highlights in U.S. politics