“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 …
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 …
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 “inartful” is often used to describe statements or actions that are clumsily executed or poorly communicated, potentially leading to misunderstandings or negative public …
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, …
“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 “Orwellian” is often invoked to describe actions that evoke the themes of surveillance, authoritarianism, and manipulation of truth found in George Orwell’s dystopian …
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, …
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 …
Pork barrel projects describes the appropriation of government spending for localized projects, usually secured primarily to bring money to a representative’s district.
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 “smoke-filled room” is used to describe a situation where politicians or other powerful individuals gather in a private, enclosed space to make …
A pro forma session is a brief meeting of a legislative body, typically lasting only a few minutes, during which no formal business
Logrolling refers to a quid pro quo exchange of favors.
In politics, it generally refers to vote-trading by lawmakers to ensure that each …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by …
“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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 pork chopper is a union official who is in his position because of self-interest, not because he has the best interest of the other …
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 …
“Pressing the flesh” refers to shaking hands, usually in a warm and effusive manner. It is an integral part of most political campaigns …
A pooh bah is a person with great and often unchecked political power.
A pooh-bah may hold political office but is an ineffective leader who …
“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 …
“Inside the Beltway” is a term used to describe the political landscape and culture within the Capital Beltway, the Interstate 495 highway that encircles …
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 …
A “big lie” is an extreme distortion of the truth, used for the purpose of spreading propaganda. It is often somewhat outrageous.
In theory, people …
In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in …
The phrase “rising tide lifts all boats” expresses the idea that if the economy improves, every participant in the economy will be in an improved …
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
A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business.
These trips …
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 …
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 …
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.
A “watershed election” is an election which represents a major shift away from the current political situation and often marked by sweeping changes in party …
“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, …
Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for …