Campaigning

“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 …

In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in …

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 …

“Swiftboating” refers to the use of dishonest or misleading tactics to attack or smear the reputation or character of a political opponent.

The …

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

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.…

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 …

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, …

A balanced ticket is a paring of political party candidates designed to appeal to a broad swathe of the electorate. A balanced ticket normally includes …

“Retail politics” refers to a style of political campaigning where candidates focus on direct, personal engagement with individual voters rather than relying on mass media …

The terms “battleground state” and “swing state” refer to states that have closely divided support for Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.

They are …

“McConnelling” is the practice of setting music to awkward, B-roll footage of a politician.

The term was coined after Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) re-election campaign …

“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 …

A “wave election” is a term used to describe a significant electoral shift in which one political party makes substantial gains in seats …

“The Great Mentioner” describes the phenomenon whereby certain people are “mentioned” to journalists as possible candidates for higher office.

It suggests that being mentioned or …

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 …