A “straw man” refers to an intentionally misrepresented proposition or argument that is set up because it is easier to defeat than an opponent’s real …
The “power behind the throne” is said to be someone who does not hold an official leadership position but who effectively wields control.
The phrase …
A “Farley file” is a log kept by politicians on the people they have met previously.
It’s named for James A. Farley, who was …
The term “revolving door” refers to the practice where individuals move between roles in the public and private sectors, especially within industries that …
A “Grand Bargain” refers to a broad, bipartisan agreement that aims to resolve complex and often contentious issues through significant concessions from both sides of …
The phrase “off the reservation” is used to describe someone who deviates from the expected or orthodox position, particularly within a political party or ideological …
Petitioning is a phase in a campaign where organizers collect signatures from eligible voters to achieve a specific political objective.
This objective can vary widely, …
Straight ticket voting allows voters to choose every candidate on a single party’s slate by making just one ballot mark.
Over the years, many states …
Earmarks are funds that are allocated to a specific program, project or for a designated purpose, or that direct specific exemptions from taxes or mandated …
“Cracking” refers to the gerrymandering practice of spreading voters of a particular group or party across multiple electoral districts in order to dilute their voting …
An exit poll is a survey of voters taken immediately as they leave the polling place in which they are asked which candidate they chose.…
An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable to visit the official polling place on Election Day.
This type …
The term “Democrat Party” is often employed by Republican critics as a slight against the Democratic Party.
The proper name is the Democratic Party, and …
The “Acela corridor” refers to the Northeast megalopolis that stretches roughly from Washington, D.C., through New York City, to Boston.
Named after Amtrak’s high-speed Acela …
Morning business is routine business that is supposed to occur during the first two hours of a new legislative day in the U.S. Senate.
This …
Cats and dogs are are leftover “stray” bills on minor subjects saved for days when the House or Senate have light floor schedules.
It is …
A “recall election” allows voters to oust an elected official, by means of a direct vote,while that official is still in the middle …
The term “permanent campaign” was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign.
The book explained how the breakdown in …
The act of spreading negative rumors about a political candidate, in order to discredit him or her in the eyes of voters. This can also …
“Packing” refers to the strategic manipulation of electoral district boundaries to concentrate as many voters of one party as possible into a single district.
The …
Broadly, a mandate is the authority that voters confer on an elected official to act as their representative.
Usually, though, a political mandate refers to …
Named for their opening salutation, a “Dear Colleague letter” is an official communication distributed in bulk by a lawmaker to all members of Congress.
They …
A recess appointment is a presidential appointment typically requiring Senate approval that is made during a Senate recess.
To be confirmed, the appointment must be …
The term “gerrymander” refers to the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts in order to benefit a particular political party or
The Electoral College is a constitutionally mandated process that determines who serves as president and vice president of the United States every four years.
It …
The phrase “misheard the question” is often invoked as a means of damage control when a politician gives an answer that generates negative attention or …
The Copperheads were Northern Democrats who opposed the Civil War and wanted a peace settlement with the Confederates.
Republicans started calling them Copperheads, likening them …
In a legislative context, to “lay on the table” refers to the action of temporarily postponing consideration of a motion or bill.
This is typically …
“With all due respect” is often employed as a rhetorical device to preface a statement of disagreement or critique, ostensibly cushioning the blow while drawing …
A “convention bounce” refers to the surge of support a presidential candidates may enjoy after the televised national convention of their party.
The size and …
The phrase “my good friend” is often employed as a term of collegiality between politicians, regardless of their actual personal relationship or political alignment.
The …
The “aisle” refers to the space which divides the majority side from the minority on the House and Senate floor.
When debating, members frequently refer …
A “lame duck session” is when the House or Senate reconvenes in an even-numbered year following the November general elections to consider various …
“Power corrupts” refers to the statement made by the 19th century British historian Lord Acton who declared that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power …
Unanimous consent is a legislative procedure whereby a legislator requests approval by all legislators to approve rule changes and bills.
The rules have been used …
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 …
The term “deep regret” is often used as a carefully calibrated expression of apology or contrition without admitting legal or ethical wrongdoing.
The phrase is …
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.…
The term “left-wing loony” or “loony left” is a pejorative description primarily used in American politics to describe someone perceived as holding fringe leftist views.…
The phrase “put politics aside” is an appeal to transcend partisan or ideological divides in order to address an issue of mutual concern.
Often invoked …
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 …
In political parlance, “earned media” refers to coverage or publicity that is not directly paid for by a campaign or political party, but rather is …
The term “full Grassley” is a presidential campaign strategy where a candidate visits all 99 counties in the state of Iowa.
This strategy is named …
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 next Eugene McCarthy” refers to a politician or candidate who, like Senator McCarthy did during the 1968 presidential campaign, galvanizes a significant grassroots movement …
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 …
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 term “motor voter” refers to a law in the United States that allows eligible citizens to register to vote when they apply …
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 …
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 …
The phrase “vote your conscience” in politics carries a multifaceted meaning.
This expression is not merely a call to action — it embodies a fundamental …
“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 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 …
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 …
The term “weaponize” refers to the strategic manipulation or transformation of information, institutions, or social issues into tools for gaining political advantage.
This …
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 …
“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 …
“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
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 …
“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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
A pro forma session is a brief meeting of a legislative body, typically lasting only a few minutes, during which no formal business
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, …
“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 term “checks and balances” refers to the separation of powers that results from divided branches of government outlined in the U.S. Constitution.…
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 …
“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 …
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 …
“Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by …
A “smoke-filled room” is used to describe a situation where politicians or other powerful individuals gather in a private, enclosed space to make …
Pork barrel projects describes the appropriation of government spending for localized projects, usually secured primarily to bring money to a representative’s district.
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 …
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 …
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 …
The term “war room” in politics has a somewhat different connotation compared to its original military usage, where it referred to a room …
“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 …
A demagogue is a politician whose rhetoric appeals to raw emotions such as fear and hatred in order to gain power, rather than …
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 …
“Inside the Beltway” is a term used to describe the political landscape and culture within the Capital Beltway, the Interstate 495 highway that encircles …
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 “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 “hopper” refers to a physical box or an electronic system where proposed bills or resolutions are submitted in a legislative body.
The concept comes …
“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 …
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, …
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 …
Logrolling refers to a quid pro quo exchange of favors.
In politics, it generally refers to vote-trading by lawmakers to ensure that each …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 term “clown car” is often used pejoratively in politics to describe a large and unwieldy field of candidates vying for a particular office, usually …
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 …
A “political junkie” is an individual with an insatiable appetite for all things related to politics—be it elections, governance, policy analysis, or the …
“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 …