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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
“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 …
The term “permanent campaign” was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign.
The book explained how the breakdown in …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
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 …
A “lame duck session” is when the House or Senate reconvenes in an even-numbered year following the November general elections to consider various …
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 term “deep regret” is often used as a carefully calibrated expression of apology or contrition without admitting legal or ethical wrongdoing.
The phrase is …
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 next Eugene McCarthy” refers to a politician or candidate who, like Senator McCarthy did during the 1968 presidential campaign, galvanizes a significant grassroots movement …
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 …
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 …
The phrase “vote your conscience” in politics carries a multifaceted meaning.
This expression is not merely a call to action — it embodies a fundamental …
“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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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.…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 “king of the hill” is a special rule in the House of Representatives for sequencing different amendments.
Under this rule, all of the proposed …
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 …
“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
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 term “cone of silence” refers to a situation or environment where sensitive information is strictly safeguarded from unauthorized individuals, including the media and sometimes …
“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 …