Dark horse facts for kids

A dark horse is a cool term used to describe someone or something that isn't very well known at first. But then, surprisingly, they become very famous or win a big competition! Think of it like a hidden talent who suddenly shines. This term is often used in politics or sports.

What is a Dark Horse?

A "dark horse" describes a person or team that most people don't expect to win. They might not be popular or have a lot of experience. But they still have a chance to surprise everyone and succeed. It's about an unexpected rise to fame or victory.

The Origin of "Dark Horse"

The idea of a "dark horse" comes from horse racing. Sometimes, a horse that nobody knows much about, or one that isn't favored to win, ends up winning the race. This unexpected victory led to the term being used for other surprising winners.

Famous Dark Horses in Politics

In politics, a "dark horse" candidate is someone who starts with little support. They might not have much money or be well-known. But as the election goes on, they gain popularity. They can even win against more famous rivals.

Jimmy Carter (1976)

One famous example is Jimmy Carter. In the 1976 presidential election, he was a former governor from Georgia. Many people didn't know him well when he started running for president. But he worked hard and won the election. He became a true "dark horse" success story.

Bernie Sanders (2016)

Another example is U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. In the 2016 Democratic primaries, he was not expected to do as well as he did. He started with less recognition than other candidates. However, he gained a lot of support and became a very strong challenger.

Donald Trump (2016)

Businessman Donald Trump was also seen as a "dark horse" in the 2016 presidential election. He had never held a political office before. Many experts did not think he would win the presidency. But he surprised everyone and won the election.