The term “permanent campaign” was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign. The book explained how the breakdown in political …
A “convention bounce” refers to the surge of support a presidential candidates may enjoy after the televised national convention of their party.
The size and …
Cats and dogs are are leftover “stray” bills on minor subjects saved for days when the House or Senate have light floor schedules.
It is …
Broadly, a mandate is the authority that voters confer on an elected official to act as their representative.
Usually, though, a political mandate refers to …
In a legislative context, to “lay on the table” refers to the action of temporarily postponing consideration of a motion or bill.
This is typically …
“The next Eugene McCarthy” refers to a politician or candidate who, like Senator McCarthy did during the 1968 presidential campaign, galvanizes a significant grassroots movement …
“Power corrupts” refers to the statement made by the 19th century British historian Lord Acton who declared that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power …
The term “gerrymander” refers to the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts in order to benefit a particular political party or
A “lame duck session” is when the House or Senate reconvenes in an even-numbered year following the November general elections to consider various …
The phrase “vote your conscience” in politics carries a multifaceted meaning.
This expression is not merely a call to action — it embodies a fundamental …
“With all due respect” is often employed as a rhetorical device to preface a statement of disagreement or critique, ostensibly cushioning the blow while drawing …
Rough and tumble, attack-dog style political campaigns are sometimes referred to as pitbull politics.
In the same way, a pitbull politician is one who is …
A “surrogate” refers to an individual who publicly speaks on behalf of a candidate or elected official, typically to promote, defend, or explain their positions …
A “listening tour” is a strategic series of meetings, events, or visits conducted by a politician or candidate to gather input, concerns, and perspectives from …
Unanimous consent is a legislative procedure whereby a legislator requests approval by all legislators to approve rule changes and bills.
The rules have been used …
The phrase “my good friend” is often employed as a term of collegiality between politicians, regardless of their actual personal relationship or political alignment.
The …
In political parlance, “earned media” refers to coverage or publicity that is not directly paid for by a campaign or political party, but rather is …
The term “cone of silence” refers to a situation or environment where sensitive information is strictly safeguarded from unauthorized individuals, including the media and sometimes …
The phrase “put politics aside” is an appeal to transcend partisan or ideological divides in order to address an issue of mutual concern.
Often invoked …
A “dark horse” is a candidate for office for whom little is known or for whom expectations are low, but who then goes on to …
The “aisle” refers to the space which divides the majority side from the minority on the House and Senate floor.
When debating, members frequently refer …
A “vetter” is an individual or team responsible for conducting thorough background checks and investigations into the qualifications and suitability of a candidate or appointee.…
A “charm offensive” refers to a coordinated campaign of personal engagement, public relations efforts, and sometimes even flattery, aimed at winning the favor or support …
“It’s just politics” is often invoked to downplay or rationalize actions, decisions, or maneuvers that may be contentious, controversial, or ethically murky.
It serves as …
The “Gish Gallop” is a rhetorical technique named after Duane Gish, a prominent figure in the creationist movement who used this method to overwhelm his …
The term “left-wing loony” or “loony left” is a pejorative description primarily used in American politics to describe someone perceived as holding fringe leftist views.…
The phrase “wag the dog” refers to a strategy where a political leader engages in diversionary tactics—often involving military action or another high-stakes maneuver—to distract …
In the context of politics, the phrase “shot/chaser” is typically used to describe a juxtaposition of two related yet contrasting pieces of information, often presented …
The phrase “Nixon in China” refers to the paradoxical phenomenon where a leader takes an action that is unexpected or contrary to their established ideological …
The term “ranking member” refers to the most senior member of the minority party on a congressional committee in both the U.S. House of Representatives …
The phrase “take our country back” is often employed as a rallying cry aimed at mobilizing voters around the idea of restoring a …
In politics, the term “slash-and-burn” refers to a strategy of aggressively undermining existing policies or reputations to achieve a particular goal — often without much …
The “king of the hill” is a special rule in the House of Representatives for sequencing different amendments.
Under this rule, all of the proposed …
“Throwing shade” refers to the act of publicly criticizing, demeaning, or subtly mocking a political opponent, often in a clever or nuanced manner.
Unlike more
The phrase “tell it like it is” is commonly used to describe politicians or pundits that are perceived as being forthright, candid, and unfiltered in …
The term “motor voter” refers to a law in the United States that allows eligible citizens to register to vote when they apply …
“Poke the bear” refers to the act of deliberately challenging or provoking a powerful individual, group, or nation, often with the risk of eliciting an …
“Low information voters” refers to individuals who participate in electoral processes without a comprehensive understanding of the issues or candidates.
Such voters may make decisions …
“Government relations” refers to the specialized practice of influencing public policy and decision-making processes within legislative bodies, executive agencies, and other governmental institutions.
Often executed …
The term “weaponize” refers to the strategic manipulation or transformation of information, institutions, or social issues into tools for gaining political advantage.
This …
“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 …