Political words have the power to confound, obscure, and even inspire. Taegan Goddard's Political Dictionary takes apart the language of politics to uncover its deeper meanings and broader significance.

cracker vote


Native Floridian white voters, whose families have typically lived in the state for generations.

Former President Bill Clinton told CNN in late 2008 that he would travel to Florida on behalf of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign: “If we’re trying to win in Florida, it may be that — you know, they think that because of who I am and where my political base has traditionally been, they may want me to go sort of hustle up what Lawton Chiles used to call the ‘cracker vote’ there.”

Though the term “cracker” often has racial overtones, the Weekly Standard notes that Chiles used the word in a non-pejorative manner, including at least once during a 1996 campaign event with Clinton: “I know this fella from Arkansas. And I can tell you he knows how to speak cracker.”

SEE ALSO:

  1. triangulation
  2. chum
  3. permanent campaign
  4. full Ginsburg
  5. Sister Souljah moment
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  • Adam

    To be even more accurate, “cracker”  refers to American pioneer settlers in Florida, and has been and is now what Florida cowboys are called. Don’t you watch How The States Got Their Shapes on the History Channel?!

  • Anonymous

    As opposed to “sucker vote”: Pathetic white liberals who donate to snake-oil shysters like Morris Dees & Bill Clinton.

  • Governorhorton

    Where’s all the outrage now that the “C” word is used? Any words used to demean humanity, regardless of whether it refers to the majority or a minority, needs to be disvowed.  In times such as these, everyone could use some true leadership coming from those entrusted with the duties of public office.

  • http://profiles.google.com/jeremypgreen Jeremy Green

    I sent this word in and from the context, as this political definition states, Clinton is using it in the way that multi-generation Floridians use to refer to themselves.

  • Anonymous

    It is an ugly word.

    America is in need of major change, and it will be impossible until the rural white people begin to recognize that economic elites are no less in love with them than they are with any people other than themselves.

  • Anonymous

    Or “crack-pot” voters, who give money to the likes of Rick Scott.

  • ProfitOverLife

    I think you meant to say “no MORE in love with them…”