The term “Teflon president” describes a president who has a seemingly magical ability to avoid blame. A Teflon president is so charismatic that — like …
In politics, a “turkey farm” refers to a government agency or department that is staffed primarily with political appointments and other patronage hires.
In …
The term “germane” is used to describe the requirement that proposed amendments or provisions introduced during the legislative process must be relevant and directly related …
An “autopsy report” is a comprehensive examination and analysis performed by a political party, organization, or think tank following an electoral defeat.
The primary objective …
A “push card” is a small, easy access, wallet-sized campaign sign typically given to a potential voter during door-to-door canvassing or at an event.
They’re …
“Triangulation” is when a political candidate presents his or her views as being above and between the left and right sides of the …
An “elastic state” is one whose voting outcome in a presidential election is relatively sensitive or responsive to changes in political conditions, such as a …
A “straw poll” refers to an informal or unofficial vote conducted to gauge the popularity of candidates running for office, or to measure the opinion …
A “front-porch campaign” is one in which the candidate stays close to home throughout the election race.
Instead of crisscrossing the country to woo voters, …
A “discharge petition” is a strategic, often controversial, legislative tool that serves to circumvent traditional committee review and bring a bill directly to …
A “scorched earth” approach is a ruthless attempt to win at all costs.
A “take no prisoners” approach is a rough synonym; both terms imply …
The “cracker vote” refers to native Floridian white voters, whose families have typically lived in the state for generations.
The term “cracker” originated in the …
The “full Ginsburg” refers to an appearance by one person on all five major Sunday-morning interview shows on the same day:
“Bundling” refers to the practice of collecting contributions from multiple donors and submitting them to a political campaign or political action committee (PAC) as a …
In politics, “mudslinging” is a tactic used by candidates or other politicians in order to damage the reputation of a rival politician by using epithets, …
“Heroes in the balcony” refers to a tradition started by President Ronald Reagan during his State of the Union addresses.
It involves inviting ordinary citizens …
The use of a “killer amendment” — sometimes called a “poison poll amendment” or “wrecking amendment” — is a legislative strategy of using an amendment …
The “Fourth Estate” refers to the news media, especially with regards to their role in the political process.
The phrase has its origins in the …
An invisible primary begins when a candidate formally announces their plans to run for office.
It’s an opportunity to find out how much support they …
A “push poll” is a form of interactive marketing in which political operatives try to sway voters to believe in certain policies or candidates under …
The “well” refers to the area at the front of the chamber where the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other leaders of the …
A “straw donor” is an individual who illegally uses another person’s money to make a political contribution in their own name.
This practice is considered …
An exploratory committee is a preliminary organizational structure that potential candidates establish to assess the viability of their candidacy before officially entering the presidential race.…
“Netroots” is grassroots political activism organized through blogs and other online social media.
Netroots activism emerged as a powerful force in U.S. politics during the …
“Flake rate” is a calculation of people who sign up to volunteer for political canvassing or events but do not participate.
This term is largely …
A “sacred cow” is any program, policy, or person that is regarded as being beyond attack or untouchable.
The term references the status held by …
Franking privileges allow lawmakers to send mail to constituents without having to pay postage.
A copy of the member’s signature replaces the stamp …
The term “ballyhoo” refers to a type of political propaganda that is designed to create a public spectacle or spectacle and attract attention to a …
The “advance man” is someone who makes arrangements and handles publicity for the candidate during a campaign.
The advance man travels to a location ahead …
A photo-op is short for a “photo opportunity,” an event specifically staged for television news cameras or photographers to increase a politician’s exposure.
A photo-op …
The “Green Lantern Theory” is how political scientists describe the belief that presidents could do more if they just tried a bit harder.
The term …
The “incumbent rule” is a rule of thumb used by pollsters that says incumbents rarely get a higher percentage in the election than they receive …
“Political suicide” is an unpopular action that is likely to cause significant harm to their reputation, electoral success, or power within their organization.
These actions …
The “Cuff Links Gang” refers to the group of friends who helped Franklin D. Roosevelt run for Vice President in 1920 “and to whom he …
Talking points refer to the carefully crafted messages, statements, or ideas that politicians, political parties, or interest groups use to convey their opinions, policy positions, …
“Gobbledygook” is a term coined by Rep. Maury Maverick (D-TX) for obscure and euphemistic bureaucratic language.
He first used the word in a …
A Boll weevil Democrat was a conservative southern Democrat in the mid 1900s, largely known for his opposition to civil rights.
They used …
A “czar” is an unofficial title used to refer to high-ranking executive branch appointments.
Czars are usually given responsibility for a specific policy area and …
“Cutting turf” is plotting canvassing routes for campaign workers to knock on doors.
The term refers to the process of breaking up a …
The “Election Administrator’s Prayer” is a phrase that is used to refer to the challenges and responsibilities faced by those who are responsible for administering …
The term “teabaggers” is a derogatory nickname used to refer to supporters of the conservative “Tea Party” movement.
As CBS News notes:
…It’s the sort