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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“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, …
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 …
“Peace at any price” is a phrase closely associated with the politics of appeasement, and especially with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his …
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s combination of charm, persuasion, and sheer intimidation came to be known as the “Johnson treatment.”
Johnson was famous for …
An October surprise is a news event which takes place shortly before a closely-watched election and which may influence the election’s outcome.…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 floor fight is an argument that threatens to derail either a convention or a congressional proceeding.
Most of the time, floor fights …
“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 …
“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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
“Cloture” is legislative term referring to a motion or process by which debate is brought to a quick end.
From the French …
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 …
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 …
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 armchair strategist is a person who creates plans and military strategy without being directly involved in the area.
The term is often used in …
“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 …
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 …
“Twenty years of treason” was a prominent catchphrase employed by Sen. Joseph McCarthy to vehemently denounce and criticize alleged communist sympathizers actively serving in various …
An individual with strong political opinions who does not hesitate to express them.
Typically, a park bench orator speaks out about their views in public.…
“Muckraker” is a name given to progressive journalists and writers in the early 20th century. The term is still sometimes used today to refer to …
“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 …
A “maiden speech” is the first speech that an elected official makes in front of a legislature.
The term is most commonly used in the …
The “fireside chat” was a series of radio addresses which President Franklin Roosevelt carried out over the course of his presidency.
Roosevelt delivered a total …
“Machine politics” is a phenomenon sometimes seen in an urban political context, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Political machines are characterized …
Despite a storied career as a lawmaker and diplomat, Henry Clay is probably best-remembered for a speech in which he said, “I’d rather be right …