“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, …
“Whistle-stopping” is practice of making political speeches or appearances in many different towns during a short period of time.
The practice has lost some of …
A yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who was unwavering in their loyalty to the Democratic party.
Those faithful Democrats swore that …
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 …
Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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, …
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 …
“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 “party boss” is a high-ranking individual within a political party, typically at the state or local level, who wields significant influence over …
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” …
“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 …
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 “veepstakes” is the process and speculation surrounding the selection of a vice presidential candidate during a presidential election cycle.
The veepstakes begins once a …
Blue slips are a long-standing Senate tradition that allows a Senator to signal opposition to a federal judicial nominee from their home state.…
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 …
“One minute speeches” refers to a procedure that allows members of a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, to speak briefly
“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.…
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 …
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.…
“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 …
“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 …
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 …
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 “live pair” refers to a situation where two lawmakers have agreed to not vote on a particular matter.
This is typically done as a …
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 person who has his “finger on the button” has the power to launch a nuclear weapon.
The expression is used to evoke the possibility …
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 …
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 …
“Swiftboating” refers to the use of dishonest or misleading tactics to attack or smear the reputation or character of a political opponent.
The …