Cookie-Cutter Campaigns
A “cookie-cutter campaigns” are political campaigns run by political consultants who use virtually identical strategies in different jurisdictions.
The typical sign of such campaigns are …
Campaigning
Bandwagon
To be on the “bandwagon” is to follow a group that has a large and growing number of followers.
A bandwagon is literally a wagon …
Coattail Effect
The “coattail effect” is a phenomenon whereby a political candidate or leader’s popularity leads to improved vote totals for fellow party candidates further down the …
Glad-hander
A glad-hander is a highly extroverted person who makes a point of acting friendly in an over-the-top way.
However, in politics the term glad-hander connotes …
Permanent Campaign
The term “permanent campaign” was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign.
The book explained how the breakdown in …
Dark Horse
A “dark horse” is a candidate for office for whom little is known or for whom expectations are low, but who then goes on to …
Smoke-Filled Room
A “smoke-filled room” is used to describe a situation where politicians or other powerful individuals gather in a private, enclosed space to make …
Mugwumps
In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in …
Caucus
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 …
Whistle-Stopping
“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 …
Rubber Chicken Circuit
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
“Swiftboating” refers to the use of dishonest or misleading tactics to attack or smear the reputation or character of a political opponent.
The …
October Surprise
An October surprise is a news event which takes place shortly before a closely-watched election and which may influence the election’s outcome.…
Handler
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, …
Incumbent
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 …
Park Bench Orator
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.…