A “hatchet man” is an operative in charge of doing political dirty work — or dirty tricks — both during a campaign and sometimes as …
The practice of backing up diplomatic efforts with a visible show of military might.
A nation using gunboat diplomacy is making use of implicit military …
To be “on the fence” is to be hesitant about taking a political stance.
Someone who is “on the fence” resists joining one side or …
“I am the law” is a phrase attributed to Frank Hague, the mayor of Jersey City from 1917 until he retired in 1947.
He is …
“Dyed in the wool” is a phrase referring to people who hold very strong opinions and are unwilling to change them.
Synonyms include “uncompromising” and …
“Guns before butter” refers to the debate over how governments should use their revenue: should resources be used to build up the military, or should …
The phrase “fuck around and find out” conveys a challenge or warning.
It’s often directed towards a political opponent, indicating that certain actions …
“John Q. Public” is a generic name used in the United States to denote a typical member of the general public or an average citizen.…
The phrase “heartbeat away from the presidency” refers to the fact that the vice president will automatically succeed the presidency in the case of the …
In politics, gridlock is a situation in which the government is unable to pass new legislation, often because the presidency and the Congress are controlled …
The grassroots are the ordinary people in a region, or in a political party.
The “grassroots” level is the opposite of the leadership level. In …
The “Final Solution” was a euphemistic name used by Nazi leaders for their plan to exterminate all of the Jews in Europe.
The plan’s full …
The Fair Deal was a package of economic and social reforms put forward by President Harry Truman, with the stated purpose of giving all Americans …
A “boodle” refers to a large sum of bribe money or graft money.
Boodle can also be used to mean a large collection of something. …
In politics, a “fat cat” is a rich and influential person, usually one who donates generously to political campaigns.
The expression suggests that the person …
Karl Marx famously declared that religion is the opiate of the people.
There are a few conflicting translations of the quote, so that sometimes religion …
In politics, a “big tent” refers to an inclusive party which encourages a wide swathe of people to become members.
The opposite of “big tent” …
In politics, “slow-walk” is a term used to describe an effort to prevent legislation or a political process from moving forward by intentionally slowing it …
The “Era of Good Feeling” refers to a period in U.S. history from about 1815 until about 1825, characterized by a sense of optimism and …
A “three martini lunch” is a long, leisurely lunch, usually associated with either business or backroom political dealings.
The three martini lunch had its heyday …
The “can’t win technique” is a campaign strategy used during the primary season.
Typically, it means telling delegates and voters that your rival can’t possibly …
The term “Speaker Emerita” is a title bestowed on a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States who has left the …
A “captive candidate” is one who is allegedly “owned” by special interests or political groups. Calling someone a “captive candidate” is similar to saying that …
A “one-house bill” is a bill introduced by a lawmaker for the purpose of grandstanding or to demonstrate their effort to fulfill political promises without …
The “political graveyard” refers to the careers of politicians who have experienced a significant decline of their political influence and electoral viability.
This can be …
“Every Man a King” is the title of a speech delivered in 1934 by Senator Huey Long of Louisiana.
The speech, which Long delivered on …
A “Mission Accomplished moment” has come to mean any grandiose declaration of success by a politician or political leader which later proves false.
It’s an …
The “great debates” were a series of public debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A, Douglas.
In 1858, Douglas, an Illinois Democrat, was running for …
A balanced ticket is a paring of political party candidates designed to appeal to a broad swathe of the electorate. A balanced ticket normally includes …
“Peace through strength” is the accumulation of military power and security assets by a country to encourage an amenable diplomatic atmosphere with other countries.
“Retail politics” refers to a style of political campaigning where candidates focus on direct, personal engagement with individual voters rather than relying on mass media …
“Give ’em hell Harry” is a reference to President Harry Truman’s 1948 re-election campaign. It’s also the name of a very successful play and movie.…
“Chicken in every pot” was Republican campaign slogan of the late 1920s.
The slogan is often incorrectly attributed to Herbert Hoover; it became a means …
A whistleblower refers to an individual who exposes illicit activities, misconduct, or unethical practices occurring within a political entity, government institution, or related organizations.
Whistleblowers …
The Chatham House Rule is a system for holding discussions on potentially controversial topics, particularly in politics and public affairs.
At a meeting held under …
A sit-in is a form of peaceful protest that involves sitting down and occupying space, often preventing access to a business or public space.
Sit-ins …
In politics, a “bellwether” refers to a geographic area whose political beliefs and voting preferences reflect that of a wider area.
For example, a county …
“Five o’clock follies” is a familiar and derogatory nickname for the daily press briefings that the U.S. military held for American reporters during the Vietnam …
A “backgrounder” is an off-the-record briefing for members of the news media.
Reporters are free to report on what they learn at a background briefing …
A “blue state” is one whose voters elect primarily Democratic candidates.
It is the opposite of a red state, which elects primarily Republican candidates.…
A “contested convention,” sometimes also referred to as a “brokered convention,” occurs when no single candidate for president secures the majority of delegates …