The “art of the possible” is idea that politics is a matter of pragmatism, instead of idealism.

According to this worldview, politics is a matter …

“The desk” is another name for the rostrum where the presiding officer and various clerks of the chamber sit.

According to recent practices, most bills, …

Pax Americana refers to a period of relative peace and stability that extended throughout the area of American influence, beginning with the end of World …

“Peace at any price” is a phrase closely associated with the politics of appeasement, and especially with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his …

The “loneliest job in the world” is a reference to the presidency of the United States, supposedly a supremely lonely and isolating job because of …

An October surprise is a news event which takes place shortly before a closely-watched election and which may influence the election’s outcome.…

A wedge issue is a highly divisive political or social issue.

It can create divisions between a candidate’s supporters or between members of the same …

A political animal is one who is fascinated by politics and who thrives on being closely involved in politics.

They are also sometimes called political …

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, …

“Forty acres and a mule” is a popular name for an order which promised freed slave that every family would be given a plot of …

A floor fight is an argument that threatens to derail either a convention or a congressional proceeding.

Most of the time, floor fights …

An “opinion leader” is one whose opinions about something have a significant impact on the opinions of others.

Today, an “influencer” is sometimes used as …

“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 …

“That dog won’t hunt” is a dismissive phrase, used to mean that a particular idea or approach is going to fail.

The expression can also …

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 …

The Bailey memorandum was circulated among members of the Democratic party in 1956, arguing that Catholic voters were a key demographic that could be harnessed …

“Cloture” is legislative term referring to a motion or process by which debate is brought to a quick end.

Origin of “Cloture”

From the French …

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 …

A “mossback” is an extreme conservative, one so bound up in the past and resistant to forward motion that it (figuratively speaking) is covered in …

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 …

“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 armchair strategist is a person who creates plans and military strategy without being directly involved in the area.

The term is often used in …

“Muckraker” is a name given to progressive journalists and writers in the early 20th century. The term is still sometimes used today to refer to …

“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 …

An individual with strong political opinions who does not hesitate to express them.

Typically, a park bench orator speaks out about their views in public.…

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 …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

“Effete snobs” was a phrase used by Vice President Spiro Agnew to denounce anti-war protesters, and young intellectuals in general, during the Vietnam …

“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 …

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 …

“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 …

“Kitchen cabinet” refers to a president’s informal, trusted circle of advisers, distinct from the official, formally appointed members of his actual cabinet.

Origin of “Kitchen

A pecking order is a social hierarchy which spells out the specifics of how the power structure operates.

Origin of “Pecking Order”

The term was …

“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 …

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 …

“Wilderness years” are a period of time in a politician’s career when he or she is not holding a position of power. This may happen …