A “boondoggle” is a wasteful or extravagant project with no practical value.

Usually, a boondoggle makes use of public funds and carries at least a …

“Hiking the Appalachian Trail” is a euphemism for a politician who claims to be doing one thing but in reality went to meet with his …

The New Frontier was the slogan which President John F. Kennedy used when setting out his vision of America’s future. 

Origin of

“Misunderestimate” is a malapropism invented by President George W. Bush that has come to mean “to underestimate by mistake.”

Bush accidentally used the term in …

A “grifter” is a con artist, someone who obtains money by swindling or tricking others.

In politics, the word refers to people who use the …

When it’s time to leave a race for public office, candidates often announce their “suspended campaign” instead of actually dropping out.

Practically speaking, there is …

“Kingfish” is the nickname for Huey P. Long, the one-time governor of Louisiana.

Long was a divisive figure who played a larger than life role …

The “six-year itch” is the election held in the sixth year of a president’s tenure.

In this election, the party holding the White House historically …

A “wonk” is a person preoccupied with arcane details of public policy and governance.

For instance, a policy wonk takes an intense interest in the …

The term “lame duck” in politics refers to an elected official whose successor has already been elected or will be soon, and who is in …

A jungle primary is an election in which all candidates for elected office run in the same primary regardless of political party.

It’s also known …

The “plumbers” were a covert White House Special Investigations Unit established during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

The group’s task was to stop …

A party convention in which delegates are able to vote for the candidate of their choice, and are not tied to the results of primaries …

“Chicago-style politics” is a phrase used to characterize a supposedly offensive tough, “take-no-prisoners” or “hardball” approach to politics.

It often refers more specifically …

A firehouse primary is a candidate nominating contest funded and overseen by a local party organization rather than public election officials.

A standard primary is …

A kleptocracy is a form of government in which leaders exploit national resources and steal; it is rule by thieves.

In a kleptocracy, those …

Agitprop is political propaganda, especially in the form of art or literature, which is used to advance a political stance.

A portmanteau of …

The “Washington Monument strategy” is named after a tactic used by the National Park Service to threaten closure of the popular Washington Monument when lawmakers …

Realpolitik is a system of politics based on concrete, practical goals, rather than on morality or abstract ideals.

The Financial Times notes that in realpolitik, …

A barnstormer travels around the country or state making political appearances during a political campaign.

The events are typically set up by an advance man…

A “Dorothy Dixer” is a planted or pre-arranged question asked of a government minister by a backbencher of his or her own political party during …

A “robocall” is an automated telephone call that delivers a prerecorded message to multiple phone numbers. Typically, robocalls are used for mass messaging.

Robocalls are …

A “money blurt” is the strategy of using a politician’s controversial statements to attract a large number of campaign donors.

The Washington Post explains how …

A “by-election” is an election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regularly scheduled elections.

Typically, they occur when the incumbent …

A “steamroller” is someone who brings something about by means of brute political might.

A politician might be said to steamroll the opposition, or even …

A “backbencher” is a junior member in the British House of Commons who occupies the back benches of Parliament, sitting behind party leaders and top …

“Roorback” is a false, dirty or slanderous story used for political advantage, usually about a candidate seeking political office.

It’s a classic dirty trick.…

“Borking” is attacking a person’s reputation and views for the purposes of denying them a political appointment.

Borking is characterized by intense scrutiny …

A “Mae West hold” is a type of Senate hold nicknamed because of the senator’s implied desire to make a deal, rather than block a …

“Astrotweeting” is the creation of fake Twitter profiles to show support for a political candidate.

Bill White described the practice in an Texas Monthly interview …

A “press gaggle” is an informal briefing by the White House press secretary that, unlike a backgrounder, is on the record.

However, video recording …

“Dummymander” is a play on the term “gerrymander,” and it refers to a redrawing of a district map that actually ends up benefiting …

To be “thrown under the bus” is to be sacrificed by someone hoping to avoid blame themselves, often in order to make political gain.

It …

The term “party faithful” refers to individuals who demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment to a specific political party.

These individuals are dedicated supporters and advocates …

A “gadfly” is an individuals who, through persistent questioning or criticism, challenge established norms, policies, or institutions.

Their is often to provoke thought, stimulate debate, …

“Morning in America” is a phrase from a 1984 political ad for President Ronald Reagan’s re-election campaign to evoke a renewed American economic and social …

The “professional left” consists of left-leaning political pundits, paid activists, and the heads of progressive institutions.

Critics might use the term to highlight a perceived …

A “pen and pad briefing” is a briefing held by lawmakers or White House officials at which video and photography is not allowed.

It’s similar …

“Frugging” is an unethical fundraising tactic where a telemarketer falsely claims to be a researcher conducting a poll, when in reality the “researcher” is attempting …

A “motion to vacate” the chair is a parliamentary procedure in the House of Representatives that allows a member to propose a resolution to remove …