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“It’s the economy stupid” was a phrase coined by James Carville in 1992, when he was advising Bill Clinton in his successful run for the White House.

In politics, a phrase invoking the average American citizen.

A “cabal” is a group of people involved in a secret plot or conspiracy.

“Samizdat” was a form of underground press commonly available in eastern European countries with state-owned media sources.

The term “magic minute” refers to a procedural rule that allows leaders in the House of Representatives, typically the Speaker, unlimited speaking time, despite the nominal rule stipulating that speeches…

“Greenwashing” is an attempt by a company to create the impression that a consumer product has benefits to the environment, even when it does not or may even be harmful…

“Red meat” is a term used in politics to refer to statements or policies that are designed to appeal to a political party’s base or to generate a strong emotional…

“The cover-up is worse than the crime” refers to the idea that attempts to conceal or obscure wrongdoing can lead to more severe consequences than the original misdeed.

Hustings are the speeches and campaign events associated with an election cycle.

The domino theory was critical in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

A “thousand points of light” was a slogan used frequently by former president George H.W. Bush to praise volunteerism and individualism.

The Great Society was a sweeping set of proposals for social reform, put forward by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and aimed at improving access to education, good jobs, and…

In 1948, when President Truman was running for re-election, he frequently attacked the Republican-controlled Congress as the “do-nothing Congress.”

A “trial balloon” describes a test of public opinion or reaction to a particular idea, proposal or policy.

The “eunuch rule” is a reference to the provisions in many state constitutions which prevented state governors from running for a second consecutive term in office.

To “electioneer” is to actively take part in an election by working for the election of a candidate or a party.

A “honeymoon period” is a period of popularity enjoyed by a new leader.

“Go fight City Hall” is a phrase expressing the futility of trying to battle government bureaucracy.

A Bircher is an adherent to the teachings and philosophies of the John Birch Society, an anti-communist organization founded in 1958.

“Loose lips sink ships” is a phrase that originated from a wartime propaganda poster during World War II, and it was used to caution individuals against careless talk that could…

A “gutter flyer” is a political attack ad, traditionally distributed in paper form. It is also typically anonymous, so that nobody can be held accountable for it or asked to…

“Little Tin Box” is the title of a song in the 1959 musical, “Fiorello,” which told the story of one of New York City’s most famous mayors.

“Don’t change horses” is a phrase used to urge voters to stick with the incumbent president during times of turmoil and conflict.

The acronym CREEP is short for The Committee for the Re-election of the President, which in 1972 was the fundraising organization of then-president Richard Nixon’s re-election campaign.