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It was also one of the most confusing, involving a sprawling cast of pro-Trump lawyers, state Republican officials and White House aides in an effort that began before some states…

A “concession speech” is the speech a candidate delivers after the vote results are clear, when they publicly acknowledge that they’ve been defeated in an election.

The term “sharp-elbowed” refers in politics to being aggressive and assertive when it comes to pursuing a political agenda or pushing one’s point of view.

“Death panels” was a political term which falsely referred to the supposed dangers posed by the Affordable Care Act.

The Saturday Night Massacre refers to October 20, 1973, the Saturday night when then-President Richard Nixon gave the order to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox, leading to the resignation of…

“Appeasement” is a diplomatic policy in which nations attempt to make peace by making concessions to an aggressive nation. Appeasement is often linked with the policies of British Prime Minister…

In political parlance, the term “wing nut” is often used as a pejorative to describe someone who holds extreme, radical, or fringe views.

The “cemetery vote” refers to a form of voter fraud, in which votes are cast in the names of registered voters who have, in fact, passed away.

Ronald Reagan’s critics often referred to the president as an “amiable dunce.”

“Under suspension of the rules” refers to a process in the House of Representatives where a bill or resolution is considered without following all the regular rules and procedures that…

A “chilling effect” is a situation in which rights are restricted, often because of indirect political pressure or overbroad legislation.

A “scalawag” is a pejorative term for a white southerner who supported Reconstruction efforts in the south in the late 1800s.

Ranked-choice voting is an electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, instead of voting for just one candidate.

A “purple state” features roughly even numbers of Democratic and Republican supporters in a presidential election.

“Off the record” is a term used in journalism meaning that the information given to the reporter cannot be attributed to the person saying it.

“Better red than dead” is a phrase that reflects the belief that, despite the widespread perceived dangers of communism and the Soviet Union, it was preferable to the threat of…

To “send them a message” is a call to action from a politician telling supporters to use their political capital to voice their opinion.

“Read my lips” ia a phrase used by George H.W. Bush in his speech for the 1988 Republican nomination for president.

The “horseshoe theory” is the idea that the far left and far right may resemble each other more than either resembles the political center.

The term “going rogue” is used to describe a situation where a politician breaks with established norms and party lines.

The “Gang of Eight” refers to a group of eight elected officials who are responsible for reviewing and receiving sensitive intelligence information.

The term “snowflake” was first used by abolitionists in Missouri in the 1860s to refer to those who opposed the abolition of slavery.

A “slogan” is a short and catchy phrase used to promote a candidate for political office or an idea.

It’s the love child of a “continuing resolution” (CR) and “omnibus” spending bill, two inside-the-Beltway terms for measures Congress has approved to keep the government funded.

“Woke” is a term that has evolved and expanded in usage, particularly within political and cultural discourse.

The “Daisy ad” is a political advertisement that aired only once during the 1964 U.S. presidential campaign but has since become emblematic of political attack ads.

A “back channel” is an unofficial means of communication between two nations or two political entities.

A “red state” is one whose voters elect primarily Republican candidates.

In politics, “vetting” refers to the process of thoroughly investigating and evaluating a candidate’s background, qualifications, and character before they are selected for a political position or endorsed by a…

A “puppet state” is a country that claims to be independent, but is actually controlled by an outside state or other foreign power.