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“Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by a narrow target audience.

A peanut politician is one who practices politics on a petty scale and who is chiefly motivated by narrow self-interest.

“Whistle-stopping” is practice of making political speeches or appearances in many different towns during a short period of time.

Populists on both the left and the right sides of the political spectrum share an imagined geography of the U.S. based on the Capital Beltway, the highway that loops around…

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 when the candidates are perceived…

“Pressing the flesh” refers to shaking hands, usually in a warm and effusive manner. It is an integral part of most political campaigns in normal times.

A caucus is an informal meeting of local party members to discuss candidates and choose delegates to their party’s convention.

“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 party have resulted in an…

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 financial position.

A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business.

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.

In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in 1884 to vote for Glover Cleveland instead…

A “big lie” is an extreme distortion of the truth, used for the purpose of spreading propaganda. It is often somewhat outrageous.

McCarthyism is a term used to describe the political practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without adequate evidence.

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 body just by virtue of…

Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for committing “treason, bribery, or other high crimes…

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 those who actually planned and…

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 control, policy direction, or voter…

“Presidential fever” is the overwhelming, fervent desire to be elected president of the United States. Presidential fever can also refer to an extreme love of the office of the presidency.

“Feeding at the public trough” is using government funds to enrich oneself.

Blue slips are a long-standing Senate tradition that allows a Senator to signal opposition to a federal judicial nominee from their home state.

A yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who was unwavering in their loyalty to the Democratic party.

The “Phoney War” refers to a period of relative inactivity and low-intensity military operations at the beginning of World War II.

In politics, a fishing expedition is a pejorative phrase to describe an investigation that lacks a clear scope and defined purpose.

“Riddick’s Senate Procedure” is a comprehensive reference work that serves as the definitive guide to the rules, practices, and precedents governing the United States Senate.

“Time in the barrel” refers to a period when a political candidate, party, or policy is subjected to intense scrutiny or attack by the media, opposition, or public opinion.

A “red herring” is an argument or piece of information that distracts from a different and more important issue.

“One man, one vote” is a slogan used to express an ideal of equal representation for all citizens.

A “party boss” is a high-ranking individual within a political party, typically at the state or local level, who wields significant influence over party operations, candidate selections, and often even…

The Night Mayor is the informal name for a city official charged with taking care of issues that arise in a city after dark.