Establishment
In political discourse, the term “establishment” refers to the traditional, institutionalized power structures and key players within a political system, which can include party leaders, …
In political discourse, the term “establishment” refers to the traditional, institutionalized power structures and key players within a political system, which can include party leaders, …
“Feeding at the public trough” is using government funds to enrich oneself.
Feeding at the public trough refers to activities which are, strictly speaking, legal, …
“Riddick’s Senate Procedure” is a comprehensive reference work that serves as the definitive guide to the rules, practices, and precedents governing the United States Senate.…
The term “clown car” is often used pejoratively in politics to describe a large and unwieldy field of candidates vying for a particular office, usually …
“Are you any better off” is a phrase commonly used in politics to question whether the policies and actions of a particular candidate or political …
A caucus is an informal meeting of local party members to discuss candidates and choose delegates to their party’s convention.
It can also refer to …
McCarthyism is a term used to describe the political practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without adequate evidence.
The term is named
“Pressing the flesh” refers to shaking hands, usually in a warm and effusive manner. It is an integral part of most political campaigns …
“One man, one vote” is a slogan used to express an ideal of equal representation for all citizens.
One man, one vote is also often …
“Presidential fever” is the overwhelming, fervent desire to be elected president of the United States. Presidential fever can also refer to an extreme love of …
A “political junkie” is an individual with an insatiable appetite for all things related to politics—be it elections, governance, policy analysis, or the …
Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for …
A “big lie” is an extreme distortion of the truth, used for the purpose of spreading propaganda. It is often somewhat outrageous.
In theory, people …
In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in …
A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business.
These trips …
“Whistle-stopping” is practice of making political speeches or appearances in many different towns during a short period of time.
The practice has lost some of …
The phrase “rising tide lifts all boats” expresses the idea that if the economy improves, every participant in the economy will be in an improved …
A pooh bah is a person with great and often unchecked political power.
A pooh-bah may hold political office but is an ineffective leader who …
A “watershed election” is an election which represents a major shift away from the current political situation and often marked by sweeping changes in party …
A yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who was unwavering in their loyalty to the Democratic party.
Those faithful Democrats swore that …
In politics, a fishing expedition is a pejorative phrase to describe an investigation that lacks a clear scope and defined purpose.
Fishing expeditions are usually …
A “red herring” is an argument or piece of information that distracts from a different and more important issue.
In some cases, political operatives may …
“Quiet diplomacy” refers to one state’s efforts to influence the behavior of another state through discreet negotiations or actions.
This means operating behind the scenes …
A “party boss” is a high-ranking individual within a political party, typically at the state or local level, who wields significant influence over …
A pork chopper is a union official who is in his position because of self-interest, not because he has the best interest of the other …
“Happy Days Are Here Again” is the title of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s official campaign song in 1932.
The song remained the unofficial anthem of the …
A “live pair” refers to a situation where two lawmakers have agreed to not vote on a particular matter.
This is typically done as a …
The “vision thing” is a phrase that is famously associated with President George H.W. Bush from his time as vice president to Ronald Reagan.
A “witch hunt” is a politically-motivated, often vindictive investigation that feeds on public fears.
The origins of the term “witch hunt” …
The Night Mayor is the informal name for a city official charged with taking care of issues that arise in a city after dark.
A …
The New Deal was a series of government programs created during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It was designed to bring immediate economic …
A power grab is an attempt by an individual or group to acquire or consolidate power in an unlawful or unethical manner.
This can take …
“One minute speeches” refers to a procedure that allows members of a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, to speak briefly
“Time in the barrel” refers to a period when a political candidate, party, or policy is subjected to intense scrutiny or attack by the media, …
“Rendezvous with destiny” was a phrase used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1936 when he accepted the Democratic nomination to run again for the presidency.…
The person who has his “finger on the button” has the power to launch a nuclear weapon.
The expression is used to evoke the possibility …
Political patronage is the system of rewarding political allies with government jobs, especially prestigious positions which pay well and demand little in the way of …
A bully pulpit is a public office or position of authority that provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to …
An October surprise is a news event which takes place shortly before a closely-watched election and which may influence the election’s outcome.…
The “Phoney War” refers to a period of relative inactivity and low-intensity military operations at the beginning of World War II.
It was a time …
A “happy warrior” is a politician or political activist who remains optimistic and cheerful even in the face of adversity or contentious political battles.
They …
A “rubber chicken circuit” is the nickname given to the endless parade of dinners that political candidates must attend during a campaign for office in …
In politics, a “rainmaker” is an individual who can raise campaign funds for others.
Often, a rainmaker is a retired politician who still has a …
“Swiftboating” refers to the use of dishonest or misleading tactics to attack or smear the reputation or character of a political opponent.
The …
The term “sine die” is a Latin phrase that literally means “without a day” or “without setting a day.”
In politics, it is …
The “veepstakes” is the process and speculation surrounding the selection of a vice presidential candidate during a presidential election cycle.
The veepstakes begins once a …
Blue slips are a long-standing Senate tradition that allows a Senator to signal opposition to a federal judicial nominee from their home state.…
The term “whiz kids” refers to any intellectually gifted, precocious young people who possess exceptional talent and the confidence to effectively utilize it in various …
“Peace at any price” is a phrase closely associated with the politics of appeasement, and especially with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his …
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 …
“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, …
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s combination of charm, persuasion, and sheer intimidation came to be known as the “Johnson treatment.”
Johnson was famous for …
“Cloture” is legislative term referring to a motion or process by which debate is brought to a quick end.
From the French …
A filibuster is a tactic used in the United States Senate to block or delay action on a piece of legislation.
It is
“Ratfucking” is the art of carrying out dirty tricks and crafty maneuvers, usually in the name of winning an election.
Originating from slang used in …
A floor fight is an argument that threatens to derail either a convention or a congressional proceeding.
Most of the time, floor fights …
A bill is a proposed law introduced in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.
A bill originating in the House is …
To “work the room” is to move through a crowd, greeting people and engaging them in conversation.
Working the room typically involves a lot of …
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 …
During the Cold War, the division between western Europe and the Soviet bloc countries was called the “iron curtain.”
The iron curtain was never a …