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 …
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 term “ex officio” comes from the Latin phrase “from the office,” and in politics it refers to someone who is part of a political …
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 …
“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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
“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
“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, …
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 …
“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.…
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 …
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 …
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 “veepstakes” is the process and speculation surrounding the selection of a vice presidential candidate during a presidential election cycle.
The veepstakes begins once a …
“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 …
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 …
A “witch hunt” is a politically-motivated, often vindictive investigation that feeds on public fears.
The origins of the term “witch hunt” …
Blue slips are a long-standing Senate tradition that allows a Senator to signal opposition to a federal judicial nominee from their home state.…
“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 power grab is an attempt by an individual or group to acquire or consolidate power in an unlawful or unethical manner.
This can take …
The term “sine die” is a Latin phrase that literally means “without a day” or “without setting a day.”
In politics, it is …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“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.…
“One minute speeches” refers to a procedure that allows members of a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, to speak briefly
“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 …
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.…
“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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …