The “enemies list” was a tally of political opponents kept by the Nixon administration. The phrase is now used as shorthand to refer to suspected …
A “clothespin vote” is a colorful term referring to a vote given to the “less objectionable” candidate despite a distaste for him or her. It’s …
“Ballot box stuffing” is a term that refers to the practice of illegally submitting more than one vote in a ballot in which …
Broadly speaking, “big government” is a political term that refers to how much influence the federal government has on the day-to-day lives of American citizens.…
“Separate but equal” was the infamous justification for the decision in Plessy v Ferguson, the case that formally legalized segregation.
The justification …
A “contested convention,” sometimes also referred to as a “brokered convention,” occurs when no single candidate for president secures the majority of delegates …
The “deep state” is a conspiracy theory which suggests that collusion exists within the U.S. political system and a hidden government within the legitimately elected …
The term “bleeding hearts” refers to people who care deeply — so deeply that their hearts bleed — about the suffering of the needy. The …
A smear campaign is repeated uses of smears in an attempt to try to damage someone’s reputation, typically to make them lose an election.
The …
“Dirty tricks” are actions taken by a political campaign or candidate to damage their opponents that may involve unethical, distasteful, or illegal behaviors.
Political candidates …
The term “sharp-elbowed” refers in politics to being aggressive and assertive when it comes to pursuing a political agenda or pushing one’s point of view.…
A “city on a hill” is used to refer to America’s supposed standing in the world, as a “beacon of hope” which other nations can …
A “concession speech” is the speech a candidate delivers after the vote results are clear, when they publicly acknowledge that they’ve been defeated in an …
Ronald Reagan’s critics often referred to the president as an “amiable dunce.”
The phrase was meant to suggest that Reagan was friendly and likeable, but …
“Death panels” was a political term which falsely referred to the supposed dangers posed by the Affordable Care Act.
Some opponents of the law, better …
In political parlance, the term “wing nut” is often used as a pejorative to describe someone who holds extreme, radical, or fringe views.
The term …
The Saturday Night Massacre refers to October 20, 1973, the Saturday night when then-President Richard Nixon gave the order to fire special prosecutor …
“Appeasement” is a diplomatic policy in which nations attempt to make peace by making concessions to an aggressive nation. Appeasement is often linked with the …
“Under suspension of the rules” refers to a process in the House of Representatives where a bill or resolution is considered without following all the …
A “scalawag” is a pejorative term for a white southerner who supported Reconstruction efforts in the south in the late 1800s.
They are often associated …
A “chilling effect” is a situation in which rights are restricted, often because of indirect political pressure or overbroad legislation.
Chilling effect is usually used …
In politics, the term “smoking gun” refers to a piece of evidence that definitively proves a crime or wrongdoing by a public official.
“Read my lips” ia a phrase used by George H.W. Bush in his speech for the 1988 Republican nomination for president.
The full quote is …
“Off the record” is a term used in journalism meaning that the information given to the reporter cannot be attributed to the person saying it.…
“Fake electors” refers to a controversial incident that emerged during the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, a hotly contested …
The “cemetery vote” refers to a form of voter fraud, in which votes are cast in the names of registered voters who have, in fact, …
To “send them a message” is a call to action from a politician telling supporters to use their political capital to voice their opinion.
This …
The term “going rogue” is used to describe a situation where a politician breaks with established norms and party lines.
This can involve expressing …
“Better red than dead” is a phrase that reflects the belief that, despite the widespread perceived dangers of communism and the Soviet Union, it was …
A “cromnibus” bill is legislation which combines a long-term omnibus spending bill with a shorter-term continuing resolution.
From Marketplace:
…It’s that time of year
A “back channel” is an unofficial means of communication between two nations or two political entities.
“Backchanneling” is also used as a verb, to refer …
A “purple state” features roughly even numbers of Democratic and Republican supporters in a presidential election.
It’s also a term used for a swing state …
A “slogan” is a short and catchy phrase used to promote a candidate for political office or an idea.
Slogans are crafted to be catchy, …
Ranked-choice voting is an electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, instead of voting for just one candidate.
If no candidate receives …
A “red state” is one whose voters elect primarily Republican candidates.
It is the opposite of a blue state, which elects primarily Democratic candidates.…
The “Daisy ad” is a political advertisement that aired only once during the 1964 U.S. presidential campaign but has since become emblematic of …
“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 …
The “Gang of Eight” refers to a group of eight elected officials who are responsible for reviewing and receiving sensitive intelligence information.
Who …
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 …
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 …