The phrase “off the reservation” is used to describe someone who deviates from the expected or orthodox position, particularly within a political party or ideological …

A “recall election” allows voters to oust an elected official, by means of a direct vote,while that official is still  in the middle …

The term “Democrat Party” is often employed by Republican critics as a slight against the Democratic Party.

The proper name is the Democratic Party, and …

A “stemwinder” is a rousing political speech that galvanizes a crowd to take action.

It’s a speech that is able to capture the attention and …

An “open primary” is an election that allows voters to select candidates on one party’s ballot without declaring their own party affiliation.

Open …

A “Farley file” is a log kept by politicians on the people they have met previously.

It’s named for James A. Farley, who was …

A “straw man” refers to an intentionally misrepresented proposition or argument that is set up because it is easier to defeat than an opponent’s real …

Earmarks are funds that are allocated to a specific program, project or for a designated purpose, or that direct specific exemptions from taxes or mandated …

The act of spreading negative rumors about a political candidate, in order to discredit him or her in the eyes of voters. This can also …

Morning business is routine business that is supposed to occur during the first two hours of a new legislative day in the U.S. Senate.

This …

A junket is a trip taken by a politicians with expenses paid for with public funds.

Junkets are a common practice in politics, and are …

Petitioning is a phase in a campaign where organizers collect signatures from eligible voters to achieve a specific political objective.

This objective can vary widely, …

An exit poll is a survey of voters taken immediately as they leave the polling place in which they are asked which candidate they chose.…

An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable to visit the official polling place on Election Day.

This type …

“Packing” refers to the strategic manipulation of electoral district boundaries to concentrate as many voters of one party as possible into a single district.

The …

Named for their opening salutation, a “Dear Colleague letter” is an official communication distributed in bulk by a lawmaker to all members of Congress.

They …

A recess appointment is a presidential appointment typically requiring Senate approval that is made during a Senate recess.

To be confirmed, the appointment must be …

“Cracking” refers to the gerrymandering practice of spreading voters of a particular group or party across multiple electoral districts in order to dilute their voting …

The phrase “misheard the question” is often invoked as a means of damage control when a politician gives an answer that generates negative attention or …

Cats and dogs are are leftover “stray” bills on minor subjects saved for days when the House or Senate have light floor schedules.

It is …

Broadly, a mandate is the authority that voters confer on an elected official to act as their representative.

Usually, though, a political mandate refers to …

The term “permanent campaign” was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign.

The book explained how the breakdown in …

The Copperheads were Northern Democrats who opposed the Civil War and wanted a peace settlement with the Confederates.

Republicans started calling them Copperheads, likening them …

“The next Eugene McCarthy” refers to a politician or candidate who, like Senator McCarthy did during the 1968 presidential campaign, galvanizes a significant grassroots movement …

“Power corrupts” refers to the statement made by the 19th century British historian Lord Acton who declared that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power …

A “convention bounce” refers to the surge of support a presidential candidates may enjoy after the televised national convention of their party.

The size and …

A “lame duck session” is when the House or Senate reconvenes in an even-numbered year following the November general elections to consider various …

The Electoral College is a constitutionally mandated process that determines who serves as president and vice president of the United States every four years.

It …

The term “full Grassley” is a presidential campaign strategy where a candidate visits all 99 counties in the state of Iowa.

This strategy is named …

The term “deep regret” is often used as a carefully calibrated expression of apology or contrition without admitting legal or ethical wrongdoing.

The phrase is …

A “surrogate” refers to an individual who publicly speaks on behalf of a candidate or elected official, typically to promote, defend, or explain their positions …

“With all due respect” is often employed as a rhetorical device to preface a statement of disagreement or critique, ostensibly cushioning the blow while drawing …

In political parlance, “earned media” refers to coverage or publicity that is not directly paid for by a campaign or political party, but rather is …

In a legislative context, to “lay on the table” refers to the action of temporarily postponing consideration of a motion or bill.

This is typically …

The phrase “put politics aside” is an appeal to transcend partisan or ideological divides in order to address an issue of mutual concern.

Often invoked …

The “aisle” refers to the space which divides the majority side from the minority on the House and Senate floor.

When debating, members frequently refer …

The phrase “vote your conscience” in politics carries a multifaceted meaning.

This expression is not merely a call to action — it embodies a fundamental …

The phrase “my good friend” is often employed as a term of collegiality between politicians, regardless of their actual personal relationship or political alignment.

The …

Rough and tumble, attack-dog style political campaigns are sometimes referred to as pitbull politics.

In the same way, a pitbull politician is one who is …