A “maiden speech” is the first speech that an elected official makes in front of a legislature. The term is most commonly used in the …
“Machine politics” is a phenomenon sometimes seen in an urban political context, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Political machines are characterized …
“Camelot” is a reference to President John F. Kennedy’s administration.
Kennedy’s brief, ill-fated presidency has been highly mythologized; some people point to it …
“Not for attribution” refers to a specific, discreet kind of arrangement where a journalist and a politician, or any other individual providing information to that …
An incumbent is an official who already holds a political office.
A lot of ink has been spilled about whether the incumbent has a better …
In politics, a handler manages a candidate during an election.
A handler can fill a variety of roles. At the lowest end of the spectrum, …
“Weasel words” are used to evade a question or an issue.
They are a way to avoid direct statements of fact or principle. It’s similar …
“Twenty years of treason” was a prominent catchphrase employed by Sen. Joseph McCarthy to vehemently denounce and criticize alleged communist sympathizers actively serving in various …
Despite a storied career as a lawmaker and diplomat, Henry Clay is probably best-remembered for a speech in which he said, “I’d rather be right …
A “nose count” is a tally of people to see how many are present.
This process is conducted by party whips or other designated individuals …
“Kitchen cabinet” refers to a president’s informal, trusted circle of advisers, distinct from the official, formally appointed members of his actual cabinet.
The “fireside chat” was a series of radio addresses which President Franklin Roosevelt carried out over the course of his presidency.
Roosevelt delivered a total …
“Fugazi” is military slang that has seeped into some political conversations, particularly in informal settings.
It’s used to describe something that is fake, fraudulent, or …
An influence peddler is one who uses their political influence to try and win favors for others.
An influence peddler is a bit of a …
A gag rule restricts members of a legislative body from discussing a specific issue, typically because it is deemed too controversial or divisive to address …
An armchair strategist is a person who creates plans and military strategy without being directly involved in the area.
The term is often used in …
“Missile gap” is a phrase used during the Cold War, referring to the theory that the US lagged behind the Soviet Union in terms of …
In politics, a “clean sweep” occurs in an election when a candidate or party achieves an overwhelming or complete victory, winning in all or almost …
NIMBY is an acronym meaning “Not In My Back Yard.”
NIMBY refers to people who resist having potentially dangerous or disruptive projects carried out in …
“Man in the street” is commonly used to evoke the idea of the average voter, characterized by mainstream political opinions and interests, and representing the …
“Hizzoner” is a nickname used by journalists to refer to big city mayors, especially in New York City.
Hizzoner is a contraction of “his honor,” …
A pecking order is a social hierarchy which spells out the specifics of how the power structure operates.
The term was …
“Salami tactics” refers to a divide and conquer approach, which aims to split up the opposition.
The expression evokes the idea of slicing up one’s …
Pinko is a pejorative word for someone with left-wing views.
Over time, the term has evolved and is now often used in a slightly comical …
The “old guard” is the more conservative, often older, branch of any political grouping.
The old guard of a party might not be politically more …
“The torch has been passed” is one of the most famous lines of John F. Kennedy’s presidency.
In 1961, in his inaugural speech, Kennedy …
“Effete snobs” was a phrase used by Vice President Spiro Agnew to denounce anti-war protesters, and young intellectuals in general, during the Vietnam …
In June of 1934, Adolph Hitler ordered his troops to carry out a large-scale purge of suspected dissidents within the Nazi party.
It actually took …
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events …
A quorum call is a procedure used in both houses of Congress to bring to the floor the number of members who must be present …
“Mistakes were made” is a phrase used in politics intentionally in the passive voice.
This specific usage, typically adopted by politicians or high-ranking officials, serves …
The “lunatic fringe” is the wing of a political or social group that holds more extreme views than the rest of that group.
The lunatic …
“Little old ladies in tennis shoes” is a derisive reference to members of the John Birch society.
In 1961, the California Attorney General’s offices …
“Evil empire” was President Ronald Reagan’s name for the Soviet Union.
Reagan often portrayed the struggle between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. as a moral …
A “power broker” is someone who wields indirect political power, either by influencing the outcomes of elections or by exercising influence over key decision …
In 2017, President Donald Trump announced plans for an “Infrastructure Week,” a series of high-profile events which were aimed at building support for the president’s …
“Trickle down theory” is a derisive term for the idea that giving benefits to large, powerful people and companies can yield benefits for society as …
An “off-year election” is one which takes place in a year when a presidential or midterm election does not also take place.
It’s typically when …
“Little group of willful men” is a reference to President Woodrow Wilson’s dispute with a group of anti-war congressmen in the lead-up to America’s entry …
In politics, a phrase invoking the average American citizen.
The implication is usually that the forgotten man has suffered some major economic hardship and has …
The domino theory was critical in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.
Domino theory argued that if one nation became communist, its neighboring …