A “vetter” is an individual or team responsible for conducting thorough background checks and investigations into the qualifications and suitability of a candidate or appointee. …
In the context of politics, the phrase “shot/chaser” is typically used to describe a juxtaposition of two related yet contrasting pieces of information, often presented …
The “king of the hill” is a special rule in the House of Representatives for sequencing different amendments.
Under this rule, all of the proposed …
The phrase “vote your conscience” in politics carries a multifaceted meaning.
This expression is not merely a call to action — it embodies a fundamental …
A “surrogate” refers to an individual who publicly speaks on behalf of a candidate or elected official, typically to promote, defend, or explain their positions …
A “dark horse” is a candidate for office for whom little is known or for whom expectations are low, but who then goes on to …
A “charm offensive” refers to a coordinated campaign of personal engagement, public relations efforts, and sometimes even flattery, aimed at winning the favor or support …
“Throwing shade” refers to the act of publicly criticizing, demeaning, or subtly mocking a political opponent, often in a clever or nuanced manner.
Unlike more
Rough and tumble, attack-dog style political campaigns are sometimes referred to as pitbull politics.
In the same way, a pitbull politician is one who is …
A “listening tour” is a strategic series of meetings, events, or visits conducted by a politician or candidate to gather input, concerns, and perspectives from …
The term “cone of silence” refers to a situation or environment where sensitive information is strictly safeguarded from unauthorized individuals, including the media and sometimes …
Astroturfing is an artificially-manufactured political movement designed to give the appearance of grassroots activism.
It involves presenting a biased or skewed view of public …
The “Gish Gallop” is a rhetorical technique named after Duane Gish, a prominent figure in the creationist movement who used this method to overwhelm his …
The term “ranking member” refers to the most senior member of the minority party on a congressional committee in both the U.S. House of Representatives …
The term “motor voter” refers to a law in the United States that allows eligible citizens to register to vote when they apply …
“Political jujitsu” refers to the strategic practice of using an opponent’s actions, statements, or strategies against them to gain an advantage, much like the martial …
The phrase “wag the dog” refers to a strategy where a political leader engages in diversionary tactics—often involving military action or another high-stakes maneuver—to distract …
“It’s a long way to Tipperary” is often employed metaphorically to underscore the complexity and length of a political process, suggesting that achieving a particular …
“Probe with bayonets” refers to a cautious yet assertive approach to assessing the weaknesses or reactions of an opponent, often before making a significant move …
“Poke the bear” refers to the act of deliberately challenging or provoking a powerful individual, group, or nation, often with the risk of eliciting an …
In politics, the term “slash-and-burn” refers to a strategy of aggressively undermining existing policies or reputations to achieve a particular goal — often without much …
The term “weaponize” refers to the strategic manipulation or transformation of information, institutions, or social issues into tools for gaining political advantage.
This …
“Low information voters” refers to individuals who participate in electoral processes without a comprehensive understanding of the issues or candidates.
Such voters may make decisions …
“It’s just politics” is often invoked to downplay or rationalize actions, decisions, or maneuvers that may be contentious, controversial, or ethically murky.
It serves as …
The phrase “tell it like it is” is commonly used to describe politicians or pundits that are perceived as being forthright, candid, and unfiltered in …
The phrase “take our country back” is often employed as a rallying cry aimed at mobilizing voters around the idea of restoring a …
Pork barrel projects describes the appropriation of government spending for localized projects, usually secured primarily to bring money to a representative’s district.
The term “Orwellian” is often invoked to describe actions that evoke the themes of surveillance, authoritarianism, and manipulation of truth found in George Orwell’s dystopian …
The phrase “Nixon in China” refers to the paradoxical phenomenon where a leader takes an action that is unexpected or contrary to their established ideological …
In the context of politics, “low propensity voters” refers to individuals who are eligible to vote but have a history of infrequent participation in elections, …
The term “inartful” is often used to describe statements or actions that are clumsily executed or poorly communicated, potentially leading to misunderstandings or negative public …
The term “checks and balances” refers to the separation of powers that results from divided branches of government outlined in the U.S. Constitution.…
A pro forma session is a brief meeting of a legislative body, typically lasting only a few minutes, during which no formal business
The term “clown car” is often used pejoratively in politics to describe a large and unwieldy field of candidates vying for a particular office, usually …
The term “casework” refers to assistance provided by members of Congress to constituents who need help while filing a grievance with the federal government or …
“Government relations” refers to the specialized practice of influencing public policy and decision-making processes within legislative bodies, executive agencies, and other governmental institutions.
Often executed …
A demagogue is a politician whose rhetoric appeals to raw emotions such as fear and hatred in order to gain power, rather than …
A “smoke-filled room” is used to describe a situation where politicians or other powerful individuals gather in a private, enclosed space to make …
“Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by …
The term “war room” in politics has a somewhat different connotation compared to its original military usage, where it referred to a room …
K Street refers to the area in downtown Washington, D.C. where many lobbyists, lawyers and advocacy groups have their offices.
The term has become synonymous …
In politics, cloakrooms are spaces adjacent to the chambers of the Senate and the House where politicians from both parties can gather to discuss Congressional …
A peanut politician is one who practices politics on a petty scale and who is chiefly motivated by narrow self-interest.
Peanut politicians are also often …
A “hopper” refers to a physical box or an electronic system where proposed bills or resolutions are submitted in a legislative body.
The concept comes …
“Hardball” refers to a straightforward, often aggressive strategy employed in politics to achieve one’s goals.
It typically involves a no-nonsense attitude, where individuals are focused …
In political discourse, the term “establishment” refers to the traditional, institutionalized power structures and key players within a political system, which can include party leaders, …
A “conference committee” is a temporary joint committee specifically created to reconcile differences between House-passed and Senate-passed versions of a bill.
Comprising an equal number …
The “yeas and nays” is a recorded roll call vote of members of the House or Senate.
The term “yeas” refers to votes in favor …
A “false flag” describes covert operations designed to deceive by creating the appearance that activities are being carried out by groups or nations other than …
“Packing the galleries” is an outdated practice in which campaign managers would fill up the seats at a political convention with their own supporters.
In …
Logrolling refers to a quid pro quo exchange of favors.
In politics, it generally refers to vote-trading by lawmakers to ensure that each …
A pork chopper is a union official who is in his position because of self-interest, not because he has the best interest of the other …
The term “ex officio” comes from the Latin phrase “from the office,” and in politics it refers to someone who is part of a political …
“Inside the Beltway” is a term used to describe the political landscape and culture within the Capital Beltway, the Interstate 495 highway that encircles …
“Pressing the flesh” refers to shaking hands, usually in a warm and effusive manner. It is an integral part of most political campaigns …
“Riddick’s Senate Procedure” is a comprehensive reference work that serves as the definitive guide to the rules, practices, and precedents governing the United States Senate.…
A caucus is an informal meeting of local party members to discuss candidates and choose delegates to their party’s convention.
It can also refer to …
“Feeding at the public trough” is using government funds to enrich oneself.
Feeding at the public trough refers to activities which are, strictly speaking, legal, …
A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business.
These trips …
“Are you any better off” is a phrase commonly used in politics to question whether the policies and actions of a particular candidate or political …
A “big lie” is an extreme distortion of the truth, used for the purpose of spreading propaganda. It is often somewhat outrageous.
In theory, people …
“Presidential fever” is the overwhelming, fervent desire to be elected president of the United States. Presidential fever can also refer to an extreme love of …
McCarthyism is a term used to describe the political practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without adequate evidence.
The term is named
“One man, one vote” is a slogan used to express an ideal of equal representation for all citizens.
One man, one vote is also often …
Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for …
A yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who was unwavering in their loyalty to the Democratic party.
Those faithful Democrats swore that …
The phrase “rising tide lifts all boats” expresses the idea that if the economy improves, every participant in the economy will be in an improved …
A pooh bah is a person with great and often unchecked political power.
A pooh-bah may hold political office but is an ineffective leader who …
“Whistle-stopping” is practice of making political speeches or appearances in many different towns during a short period of time.
The practice has lost some of …
In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in …
In politics, a fishing expedition is a pejorative phrase to describe an investigation that lacks a clear scope and defined purpose.
Fishing expeditions are usually …
A “political junkie” is an individual with an insatiable appetite for all things related to politics—be it elections, governance, policy analysis, or the …
The “vision thing” is a phrase that is famously associated with President George H.W. Bush from his time as vice president to Ronald Reagan.
A “watershed election” is an election which represents a major shift away from the current political situation and often marked by sweeping changes in party …
The Night Mayor is the informal name for a city official charged with taking care of issues that arise in a city after dark.
A …
The “Phoney War” refers to a period of relative inactivity and low-intensity military operations at the beginning of World War II.
It was a time …
A “party boss” is a high-ranking individual within a political party, typically at the state or local level, who wields significant influence over …
A “red herring” is an argument or piece of information that distracts from a different and more important issue.
In some cases, political operatives may …
“Time in the barrel” refers to a period when a political candidate, party, or policy is subjected to intense scrutiny or attack by the media, …
“Quiet diplomacy” refers to one state’s efforts to influence the behavior of another state through discreet negotiations or actions.
This means operating behind the scenes …
A “witch hunt” is a politically-motivated, often vindictive investigation that feeds on public fears.
The origins of the term “witch hunt” …
The New Deal was a series of government programs created during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It was designed to bring immediate economic …
“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 …
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 power grab is an attempt by an individual or group to acquire or consolidate power in an unlawful or unethical manner.
This can take …
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 …
“One minute speeches” refers to a procedure that allows members of a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, to speak briefly
“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.…
Political patronage is the system of rewarding political allies with government jobs, especially prestigious positions which pay well and demand little in the way of …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
“Swiftboating” refers to the use of dishonest or misleading tactics to attack or smear the reputation or character of a political opponent.
The …
The term “sine die” is a Latin phrase that literally means “without a day” or “without setting a day.”
In politics, it is …
The “veepstakes” is the process and speculation surrounding the selection of a vice presidential candidate during a presidential election cycle.
The veepstakes begins once a …
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 …
An October surprise is a news event which takes place shortly before a closely-watched election and which may influence the election’s outcome.…
Blue slips are a long-standing Senate tradition that allows a Senator to signal opposition to a federal judicial nominee from their home state.…
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 …