Sandbagging is deceptive behavior intended to lower someone’s expectations so that they can be taken by surprise later. Typically, sandbagging involves lulling someone into a …
A “shy voter” is one who does not admit to supporting a certain candidate to pollsters, but still votes for that candidate in the election.…
“Potomac fever” is the condition where a politician is gripped by a desire to stay in government, whether to make a change or for power’s …
The term “squish” is often used as a pejorative to describe a politician, typically within the context of their own party, who is perceived as …
A “stalking horse” is a candidate put forward in an election to conceal an anonymous person’s potential candidacy.
If the idea of the campaign proves …
“Mama Grizzlies” is a metaphor used by 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin for conservative women.
Palin used the metaphor of a mother grizzly …
A “puppet state” is a country that claims to be independent, but is actually controlled by an outside state or other foreign power.
Strategery is a fictional word coined by comedy writer Jim Downey in a now famous Saturday Night Live sketch written to lampoon former president George …
“McConnelling” is the practice of setting music to awkward, B-roll footage of a politician.
The term was coined after Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) re-election campaign …
In politics, a “bargaining chip” refers to something that is used as leverage in a negotiation, an attempt to pass legislation, or an effort to …
“Rumsfeld’s Rules” are a series of aphorisms, sayings, and observations about life in leadership, business, and politics by Donald Rumsfeld, who was a Congressman, …
The term “muckety muck” refers to individuals who hold significant power, influence, or high rank within politics.
It can be a somewhat dismissive or derogatory …
“Running between the raindrops” is to dodge or deflect repeated political attacks.
These politicians are seen as skillful or even lucky, as they seem to …
“Bed-wetting” refers to someone who expresses doubt or excessive worry about a political outcome.
The term “bed-wetting” in politics has roots in psychological analogies.
Much …
The “rally around the flag” effect is when there’s a short-term surge in voter approval as the nation unites behind its leader during a crisis …
“Both-sidesing” is a term often used in political discourse to describe a tendency in media reporting where journalists, in their effort to maintain a sense …
“Amen corner” is a term used in politics to refer to a group of people or legislators who always support or agree with a particular …
The term “alternative facts” was a phrase coined by White House adviser Kellyanne Conway to defend a false statement by press secretary Sean Spicer about …
A “bridge builder” is a politician or diplomat who actively works to create or improve relationships, foster cooperation, and promote understanding among diverse groups or …
An “ego wall” is where people flaunt their political connections by displaying photos of themselves with more famous people.
As Mike Nichols observed:
…“The ego
“Limousine liberal” is pejorative for wealthy liberals who do not want to bear the cost of the liberal policies they support.
It is typically used …
A “tracker” is an individual who is tasked with closely following and documenting the public appearances, speeches, and activities of a political candidate, particularly an …
An “attack dog” in politics is a person, usually a politician or a political operative, who is designated to aggressively challenge and criticize the opposition.…
Honest graft refers to the money-making opportunities that might arise while holding public office.
The activities are, strictly speaking, legal, although they might raise eyebrows …
A “fixer” refers to someone who solves problems or handles difficult situations for a politician.
This person is typically well-connected, highly resourceful, and possesses a …
A “youthquake” is social, cultural, or political change brought about by young people.
The term encapsulates the increased political engagement, activism, and participation from the …
A “wave election” is a term used to describe a significant electoral shift in which one political party makes substantial gains in seats …
A “bomb thrower” is used metaphorically to describe a person — often a politician or political operative — who uses provocative, inflammatory, or extreme rhetoric …
“All things to all men” is a phrase applied to politicians who seem to be making contradictory promises and statements so that they can appeal …
The term “goo goo” is short for “good government guys,” referring to people who would fight for government reform.
This was used during the 1970s …
The term “pol” is short for “politician” and is often used to refer to a person who is actively involved in politics, either as an
The term “cuckservative” is a pejorative used by alt-Right conservatives to insult moderate Republicans.
It implies they have sold out and is similar to the …
“The Great Mentioner” describes the phenomenon whereby certain people are “mentioned” to journalists as possible candidates for higher office.
It suggests that being mentioned or …
A “boondoggle” is a wasteful or extravagant project with no practical value.
Usually, a boondoggle makes use of public funds and carries at least a …
A DINO — or Democrat In Name Only — is a disparaging term that refers to a Democratic candidate whose political views are seen as …
“Hiking the Appalachian Trail” is a euphemism for a politician who claims to be doing one thing but in reality went to meet with his …
The New Frontier was the slogan which President John F. Kennedy used when setting out his vision of America’s future.
“Misunderestimate” is a malapropism invented by President George W. Bush that has come to mean “to underestimate by mistake.”
Bush accidentally used the term in …
The Hastert rule is an informal guiding principle for leaders in the House of Representatives that dictates a majority of the majority party support any …
The “six-year itch” is the election held in the sixth year of a president’s tenure.
In this election, the party holding the White House historically …
A “wonk” is a person preoccupied with arcane details of public policy and governance.
For instance, a policy wonk takes an intense interest in the …