The term “whiz kids” refers to any intellectually gifted, precocious young people who possess exceptional talent and the confidence to effectively utilize it in various …
During the Cold War, the division between western Europe and the Soviet bloc countries was called the “iron curtain.”
The iron curtain was never a …
A “happy warrior” is a politician or political activist who remains optimistic and cheerful even in the face of adversity or contentious political battles.
They …
To “work the room” is to move through a crowd, greeting people and engaging them in conversation.
Working the room typically involves a lot of …
“Rendezvous with destiny” was a phrase used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1936 when he accepted the Democratic nomination to run again for the presidency.…
A “rubber chicken circuit” is the nickname given to the endless parade of dinners that political candidates must attend during a campaign for office in …
An imperial presidency is characterized by having greater powers than those clearly provided for in the U.S. Constitution, as it pertains to the executive branch.…
“Ratfucking” is the art of carrying out dirty tricks and crafty maneuvers, usually in the name of winning an election.
Originating from slang used in …
“Happy Days Are Here Again” is the title of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s official campaign song in 1932.
The song remained the unofficial anthem of the …
The Previous Question — sometimes referred to as a “PQ” — is a tool of the minority that affords the opportunity to offer an amendment …
“Swiftboating” refers to the use of dishonest or misleading tactics to attack or smear the reputation or character of a political opponent.
The …
A “live pair” refers to a situation where two lawmakers have agreed to not vote on a particular matter.
This is typically done as a …
A bill is a proposed law introduced in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.
A bill originating in the House is …
In politics, a “rainmaker” is an individual who can raise campaign funds for others.
Often, a rainmaker is a retired politician who still has a …
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s combination of charm, persuasion, and sheer intimidation came to be known as the “Johnson treatment.”
Johnson was famous for …
The “military industrial complex” is a term referring to all the components of a nation’s military establishment, including the private businesses involved in producing …
The person who has his “finger on the button” has the power to launch a nuclear weapon.
The expression is used to evoke the possibility …
A bully pulpit is a public office or position of authority that provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to …
The “art of the possible” is idea that politics is a matter of pragmatism, instead of idealism.
According to this worldview, politics is a matter …
“The desk” is another name for the rostrum where the presiding officer and various clerks of the chamber sit.
According to recent practices, most bills, …
Pax Americana refers to a period of relative peace and stability that extended throughout the area of American influence, beginning with the end of World …
“Peace at any price” is a phrase closely associated with the politics of appeasement, and especially with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his …
The “loneliest job in the world” is a reference to the presidency of the United States, supposedly a supremely lonely and isolating job because of …
An October surprise is a news event which takes place shortly before a closely-watched election and which may influence the election’s outcome.…
A wedge issue is a highly divisive political or social issue.
It can create divisions between a candidate’s supporters or between members of the same …
A political animal is one who is fascinated by politics and who thrives on being closely involved in politics.
They are also sometimes called political …
A filibuster is a tactic used in the United States Senate to block or delay action on a piece of legislation.
It is
In politics, a handler manages a candidate during an election.
A handler can fill a variety of roles. At the lowest end of the spectrum, …
“Forty acres and a mule” is a popular name for an order which promised freed slave that every family would be given a plot of …
A floor fight is an argument that threatens to derail either a convention or a congressional proceeding.
Most of the time, floor fights …
An “opinion leader” is one whose opinions about something have a significant impact on the opinions of others.
Today, an “influencer” is sometimes used as …
“Not for attribution” refers to a specific, discreet kind of arrangement where a journalist and a politician, or any other individual providing information to that …
“That dog won’t hunt” is a dismissive phrase, used to mean that a particular idea or approach is going to fail.
The expression can also …
In politics, a “clean sweep” occurs in an election when a candidate or party achieves an overwhelming or complete victory, winning in all or almost …
The Bailey memorandum was circulated among members of the Democratic party in 1956, arguing that Catholic voters were a key demographic that could be harnessed …
“Cloture” is legislative term referring to a motion or process by which debate is brought to a quick end.
From the French …
A “nose count” is a tally of people to see how many are present.
This process is conducted by party whips or other designated individuals …
A “mossback” is an extreme conservative, one so bound up in the past and resistant to forward motion that it (figuratively speaking) is covered in …
An incumbent is an official who already holds a political office.
A lot of ink has been spilled about whether the incumbent has a better …
“Fugazi” is military slang that has seeped into some political conversations, particularly in informal settings.
It’s used to describe something that is fake, fraudulent, or …
An armchair strategist is a person who creates plans and military strategy without being directly involved in the area.
The term is often used in …