The “Daisy ad” is a political advertisement that aired only once during the 1964 U.S. presidential campaign but has since become emblematic of political attack …
The terms “battleground state” and “swing state” refer to states that have closely divided support for Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.
They are …
A political football is an otherwise non-partisan issue which politicians try to capitalize on and turn to their advantage.
Something is said to be a …
The term “going rogue” is used to describe a situation where a politician breaks with established norms and party lines.
This can involve expressing …
The term “wise men” refers to a group of respected, experienced individuals who are consulted for their expertise and judgment on important matters of policy …
A “true believer” refers to an individual who passionately supports a particular ideology, political party, or politician with unwavering conviction.
Such individuals often hold their …
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group.
It makes them …
“Obstructionism” is the act of deliberately stalling, delaying, or preventing legislation from being passed.
It is a tactic used to delay, alter, or prevent specific …
“Entryism” is a political tactic of joining an organization with which you do not agree with the intention of changing it from the inside.
The …
The term “snowflake” has become a notable expression in contemporary political discourse, particularly within the United States.
As a political term, it is …
“Woke” is a term that has evolved and expanded in usage, particularly within political and cultural discourse.
The term is connected to the broader concept …
Freedom riders were northerners who took interstate buses down to the south in order to protest Jim Crow and segregation policies.
In politics, “vetting” refers to the process of thoroughly investigating and evaluating a candidate’s background, qualifications, and character before they are selected for a political …
To “pussyfoot” is to proceed with caution, to move warily but steadily or to sidestep an issue as to not take a side.
It is …
“Nut-cutting time” is when drastic actions are required, because all other methods have failed. The phrase is used in sports as well as in politics.…
Electability refers to a political candidate’s perceived ability to win an election, as assessed by voters, party insiders, political pundits, and the media.
It encapsulates …
The term “double-max” refers to a practice in campaign finance where an individual contributes the maximum allowed amount to a candidate’s primary and general election …
An “old bull” is a powerful and influential Member of Congress.
Old bulls are typically senior members who have worked their way into positions of …
The term “young guns” is often used to refer to a group of up-and-coming, ambitious individuals who are seen as the future leaders or influencers …
“Movers and shakers” are those who have power and influence in business, politics, or other segments of the public sphere.
Party leadership, committee leaders, or …
The “nuclear option” is a metaphorical term that refers to a parliamentary procedure in the U.S. Senate allowing for a significant change to the rules …
Class warfare refers to the tension and struggle between different socioeconomic classes, often framed as the conflict between the wealthy and the working classes.…
The term “mollycoddle” means to treat certain constituents or voters in an almost absurdly overprotective way.
Typically used in the context of the “welfare state” …
A tag-team hold is when two or more senators agree to circumvent a 2011 resolution limiting secret senate holds to two days.
One senator will …
Shuttle diplomacy is a method of negotiation where an intermediary, often a high-profile figure, travels back and forth between parties who are either unwilling to …
A “puppet state” is a country that claims to be independent, but is actually controlled by an outside state or other foreign power.
The term “party line” refers to the officially agreed-upon policy positions of a political party.
It can also refer to the way in which members …
The term “silent majority” refers to a large block of voters that feel marginalized, silenced or underserved by the political system.
It’s commonly assumed that, …
“McConnelling” is the practice of setting music to awkward, B-roll footage of a politician.
The term was coined after Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) re-election campaign …
A “stalking horse” is a candidate put forward in an election to conceal an anonymous person’s potential candidacy.
If the idea of the campaign proves …
“Potomac fever” is the condition where a politician is gripped by a desire to stay in government, whether to make a change or for power’s …
A “shy voter” is one who does not admit to supporting a certain candidate to pollsters, but still votes for that candidate in the election.…
Strategery is a fictional word coined by comedy writer Jim Downey in a now famous Saturday Night Live sketch written to lampoon former president George …
The term “muckety muck” refers to individuals who hold significant power, influence, or high rank within politics.
It can be a somewhat dismissive or derogatory …
A “youthquake” is social, cultural, or political change brought about by young people.
The term encapsulates the increased political engagement, activism, and participation from the …
The “deduct box” was the locked box where legendary Louisiana Gov. Huey Long kept “deducts” from state employee salaries to fund his political operation.
Estimates …
“Quockerwodger” is a rather obscure and rarely used term in modern political discourse.
It refers to politicians who are not truly representing their constituents or …
Sandbagging is deceptive behavior intended to lower someone’s expectations so that they can be taken by surprise later.
Typically, sandbagging involves lulling someone into a …
“Mama Grizzlies” is a metaphor used by 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin for conservative women.
Palin used the metaphor of a mother grizzly …
The term “squish” is often used as a pejorative to describe a politician, typically within the context of their own party, who is perceived as …
In politics, a “bargaining chip” refers to something that is used as leverage in a negotiation, an attempt to pass legislation, or an effort to …