T minus 24 and counting

Another option, from commenter p.m. prescott:

"I think they'll let the election play itself out. The time for the Coup d'tat will be in December or early January if McCain loses. That's when Bushco will either stage an attack then call a special session of congress to give away all powers (Hitler burning the Reichstag) or start bombing Iran, or both."

... not an implausible alternative, but I'm committed to Halloween.