Shuttle Diplomacy
Shuttle diplomacy is a method of negotiation where an intermediary, often a high-profile figure, travels back and forth between parties who are either unwilling to …
Potomac fever
“Potomac fever” is the condition where a politician is gripped by a desire to stay in government, whether to make a change or for power’s …
Silent Majority
The term “silent majority” refers to a large block of voters that feel marginalized, silenced or underserved by the political system.
It’s commonly assumed that, …
Muckety Muck
The term “muckety muck” refers to individuals who hold significant power, influence, or high rank within politics.
It can be a somewhat dismissive or derogatory …
Stalking Horse
A “stalking horse” is a candidate put forward in an election to conceal an anonymous person’s potential candidacy.
If the idea of the campaign proves …
Strategery
Strategery is a fictional word coined by comedy writer Jim Downey in a now famous Saturday Night Live sketch written to lampoon former president George …
Quockerwodger
“Quockerwodger” is a rather obscure and rarely used term in modern political discourse.
It refers to politicians who are not truly representing their constituents or …
Squish
The term “squish” is often used as a pejorative to describe a politician, typically within the context of their own party, who is perceived as …
Shy Voter
A “shy voter” is one who does not admit to supporting a certain candidate to pollsters, but still votes for that candidate in the election.…
Running Between the Raindrops
“Running between the raindrops” is to dodge or deflect repeated political attacks.
These politicians are seen as skillful or even lucky, as they seem to …
Deduct Box
The “deduct box” was the locked box where legendary Louisiana Gov. Huey Long kept “deducts” from state employee salaries to fund his political operation.
Estimates …
Mama Grizzlies
“Mama Grizzlies” is a metaphor used by 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin for conservative women.
Palin used the metaphor of a mother grizzly …
Bargaining Chip
In politics, a “bargaining chip” refers to something that is used as leverage in a negotiation, an attempt to pass legislation, or an effort to …
Sandbagging
Sandbagging is deceptive behavior intended to lower someone’s expectations so that they can be taken by surprise later.
Typically, sandbagging involves lulling someone into a …
Goo Goo
The term “goo goo” is short for “good government guys,” referring to people who would fight for government reform.
This was used during the 1970s …
Both-Sidesing
“Both-sidesing” is a term often used in political discourse to describe a tendency in media reporting where journalists, in their effort to maintain a sense …
Bridge Builder
A “bridge builder” is a politician or diplomat who actively works to create or improve relationships, foster cooperation, and promote understanding among diverse groups or …
DINO
A DINO — or Democrat In Name Only — is a disparaging term that refers to a Democratic candidate whose political views are seen as …
Amen Corner
“Amen corner” is a term used in politics to refer to a group of people or legislators who always support or agree with a particular …
Alternative Facts
The term “alternative facts” was a phrase coined by White House adviser Kellyanne Conway to defend a false statement by press secretary Sean Spicer about …
Bed-Wetting
“Bed-wetting” refers to someone who expresses doubt or excessive worry about a political outcome.
The term “bed-wetting” in politics has roots in psychological analogies.
Much …
Rumsfeld’s Rules
“Rumsfeld’s Rules” are a series of aphorisms, sayings, and observations about life in leadership, business, and politics by Donald Rumsfeld, who was a Congressman, …
Cuckservative
The term “cuckservative” is a pejorative used by alt-Right conservatives to insult moderate Republicans.
It implies they have sold out and is similar to the …
Ego Wall
An “ego wall” is where people flaunt their political connections by displaying photos of themselves with more famous people.
As Mike Nichols observed:
…“The ego
Tracker
A “tracker” is an individual who is tasked with closely following and documenting the public appearances, speeches, and activities of a political candidate, particularly an …
Attack Dog
An “attack dog” in politics is a person, usually a politician or a political operative, who is designated to aggressively challenge and criticize the opposition.…
Limousine Liberal
“Limousine liberal” is pejorative for wealthy liberals who do not want to bear the cost of the liberal policies they support.
It is typically used …
Wave Election
A “wave election” is a term used to describe a significant electoral shift in which one political party makes substantial gains in seats …
Rally Around the Flag
The “rally around the flag” effect is when there’s a short-term surge in voter approval as the nation unites behind its leader during a crisis …
Lid
A “lid” is what White House press secretaries use to indicate that there will be no news coming out of the White House …
Fixer
A “fixer” refers to someone who solves problems or handles difficult situations for a politician.
This person is typically well-connected, highly resourceful, and possesses a …
Misunderestimate
“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 …
Kingfish
“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 …
Bomb Thrower
A “bomb thrower” is used metaphorically to describe a person — often a politician or political operative — who uses provocative, inflammatory, or extreme rhetoric …
Grifter
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 …
Honest Graft
Honest graft refers to the money-making opportunities that might arise while holding public office.
The activities are, strictly speaking, legal, although they might raise eyebrows …
All Things to All Men
“All things to all men” is a phrase applied to politicians who seem to be making contradictory promises and statements so that they can appeal …
Pol
The term “pol” is short for “politician” and is often used to refer to a person who is actively involved in politics, either as an
Hastert Rule
The Hastert rule is an informal guiding principle for leaders in the House of Representatives that dictates a majority of the majority party support any …
Chicago-style politics
“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 …