A “chilling effect” is a situation in which rights are restricted, often because of indirect political pressure or overbroad legislation. Chilling effect is usually used …
A “scalawag” is a pejorative term for a white southerner who supported Reconstruction efforts in the south in the late 1800s.
They are often associated …
The “cemetery vote” refers to a form of voter fraud, in which votes are cast in the names of registered voters who have, in fact, …
“Under suspension of the rules” refers to a process in the House of Representatives where a bill or resolution is considered without following all the …
In politics, the term “smoking gun” refers to a piece of evidence that definitively proves a crime or wrongdoing by a public official.
“Off the record” is a term used in journalism meaning that the information given to the reporter cannot be attributed to the person saying it.…
“Better red than dead” is a phrase that reflects the belief that, despite the widespread perceived dangers of communism and the Soviet Union, it was …
To “send them a message” is a call to action from a politician telling supporters to use their political capital to voice their opinion.
This …
“Read my lips” ia a phrase used by George H.W. Bush in his speech for the 1988 Republican nomination for president.
The full quote is …
The term “going rogue” is used to describe a situation where a politician breaks with established norms and party lines.
This can involve expressing …
The “Gang of Eight” refers to a group of eight elected officials who are responsible for reviewing and receiving sensitive intelligence information.
Who …
Ranked-choice voting is an electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, instead of voting for just one candidate.
If no candidate receives …
A “purple state” features roughly even numbers of Democratic and Republican supporters in a presidential election.
It’s also a term used for a swing state …
A “cromnibus” bill is legislation which combines a long-term omnibus spending bill with a shorter-term continuing resolution.
From Marketplace:
…It’s that time of year
A “slogan” is a short and catchy phrase used to promote a candidate for political office or an idea.
Slogans are crafted to be catchy, …
The “Daisy ad” is a political advertisement that aired only once during the 1964 U.S. presidential campaign but has since become emblematic of …
A “back channel” is an unofficial means of communication between two nations or two political entities.
“Backchanneling” is also used as a verb, to refer …
A “red state” is one whose voters elect primarily Republican candidates.
It is the opposite of a blue state, which elects primarily Democratic candidates.…
The term “snowflake” has become a notable expression in contemporary political discourse, particularly within the United States.
As a political term, it is …
“Woke” is a term that has evolved and expanded in usage, particularly within political and cultural discourse.
The term is connected to the broader concept …
In politics, “vetting” refers to the process of thoroughly investigating and evaluating a candidate’s background, qualifications, and character before they are selected for a political …
A political football is an otherwise non-partisan issue which politicians try to capitalize on and turn to their advantage.
Something is said to be a …
“Nut-cutting time” is when drastic actions are required, because all other methods have failed. The phrase is used in sports as well as in politics.…
A “true believer” refers to an individual who passionately supports a particular ideology, political party, or politician with unwavering conviction.
Such individuals often hold their …
The terms “battleground state” and “swing state” refer to states that have closely divided support for Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.
They are …
“Obstructionism” is the act of deliberately stalling, delaying, or preventing legislation from being passed.
It is a tactic used to delay, alter, or prevent specific …
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group.
It makes them …
The term “wise men” refers to a group of respected, experienced individuals who are consulted for their expertise and judgment on important matters of policy …
“Entryism” is a political tactic of joining an organization with which you do not agree with the intention of changing it from the inside.
The …
A tag-team hold is when two or more senators agree to circumvent a 2011 resolution limiting secret senate holds to two days.
One senator will …
Electability refers to a political candidate’s perceived ability to win an election, as assessed by voters, party insiders, political pundits, and the media.
It encapsulates …
An “old bull” is a powerful and influential Member of Congress.
Old bulls are typically senior members who have worked their way into positions of …
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 …
Freedom riders were northerners who took interstate buses down to the south in order to protest Jim Crow and segregation policies.
A “puppet state” is a country that claims to be independent, but is actually controlled by an outside state or other foreign power.
The “nuclear option” is a metaphorical term that refers to a parliamentary procedure in the U.S. Senate allowing for a significant change to the rules …
To “pussyfoot” is to proceed with caution, to move warily but steadily or to sidestep an issue as to not take a side.
It is …
“Movers and shakers” are those who have power and influence in business, politics, or other segments of the public sphere.
Party leadership, committee leaders, or …
The term “double-max” refers to a practice in campaign finance where an individual contributes the maximum allowed amount to a candidate’s primary and general election …
The term “young guns” is often used to refer to a group of up-and-coming, ambitious individuals who are seen as the future leaders or influencers …
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