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 …
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 …
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 “mollycoddle” means to treat certain constituents or voters in an almost absurdly overprotective way.
Typically used in the context of the “welfare state” …
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, …
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 …
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 …
“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.…
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 …
“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 “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 …
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 …
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.…
“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 …
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 “squish” is often used as a pejorative to describe a politician, typically within the context of their own party, who is perceived as …
“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 …
“Running between the raindrops” is to dodge or deflect repeated political attacks.
These politicians are seen as skillful or even lucky, as they seem to …
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 …
“Bed-wetting” refers to someone who expresses doubt or excessive worry about a political outcome.
The term “bed-wetting” in politics has roots in psychological analogies.
Much …
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 …
“Rumsfeld’s Rules” are a series of aphorisms, sayings, and observations about life in leadership, business, and politics by Donald Rumsfeld, who was a Congressman, …
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 “bridge builder” is a politician or diplomat who actively works to create or improve relationships, foster cooperation, and promote understanding among diverse groups or …
“Amen corner” is a term used in politics to refer to a group of people or legislators who always support or agree with a particular …
The “rally around the flag” effect is when there’s a short-term surge in voter approval as the nation unites behind its leader during a crisis …
“Both-sidesing” is a term often used in political discourse to describe a tendency in media reporting where journalists, in their effort to maintain a sense …
A “tracker” is an individual who is tasked with closely following and documenting the public appearances, speeches, and activities of a political candidate, particularly an …
The term “alternative facts” was a phrase coined by White House adviser Kellyanne Conway to defend a false statement by press secretary Sean Spicer about …
“Limousine liberal” is pejorative for wealthy liberals who do not want to bear the cost of the liberal policies they support.
It is typically used …
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 …
An “ego wall” is where people flaunt their political connections by displaying photos of themselves with more famous people.
As Mike Nichols observed:
…“The ego
An “attack dog” in politics is a person, usually a politician or a political operative, who is designated to aggressively challenge and criticize the opposition.…
Honest graft refers to the money-making opportunities that might arise while holding public office.
The activities are, strictly speaking, legal, although they might raise eyebrows …
“All things to all men” is a phrase applied to politicians who seem to be making contradictory promises and statements so that they can appeal …
A “fixer” refers to someone who solves problems or handles difficult situations for a politician.
This person is typically well-connected, highly resourceful, and possesses a …
The term “cuckservative” is a pejorative used by alt-Right conservatives to insult moderate Republicans.
It implies they have sold out and is similar to the …
A “wave election” is a term used to describe a significant electoral shift in which one political party makes substantial gains in seats …
The term “goo goo” is short for “good government guys,” referring to people who would fight for government reform.
This was used during the 1970s …
“The Great Mentioner” describes the phenomenon whereby certain people are “mentioned” to journalists as possible candidates for higher office.
It suggests that being mentioned or …