“Five o’clock follies” is a familiar and derogatory nickname for the daily press briefings that the U.S. military held for American reporters during the Vietnam War. In modern times, the phrase has been used to refer to any establishment effort …
A “backgrounder” is an off-the-record briefing for members of the media. Reporters are free to report on what they learn at a background briefing but normally are restricted as to how they cite their sources. Merriam Webster says that the …
“Off the record” is a term used in journalism meaning that the information given to the reporter cannot be attributed to the person saying it.
Off the record quotes are often used to protect sources who are giving information that …
“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 talked about in a positive way can help a person or idea gain more attention …
A “lid” is what White House press secretaries use to indicate that there will be no news coming out of the White House that day.
It can also be called a “full lid.”
A “lid” can be called at any …
A “pen and pad briefing” is a briefing held by lawmakers or White House officials at which video and photography is not allowed.
It’s similar to a backgrounder.
This format emphasizes verbal communication and provides an opportunity for journalists …
A “press gaggle” is an informal briefing by the White House press secretary that, unlike a backgrounder, is on the record.
However, video recording is not allowed.
It can occur anywhere, such as on Air Force One, but it …
A phrase used by Vice President Spiro Agnew to refer to the members of the media with whom he had a very acrimonious relationship.
The phrase was first used by Agnew in a speech on September 25, 1970
Godwin’s Law is a term first promulgated in 1990 by author and lawyer Mike Godwin.
Originally intended as a lesson in information “memetics,” or how the evolution of information spreads and evolves on the Internet, the term is used to …
A “gotcha question” is one posed by a reporter in an effort to trick a politician into looking stupid or saying something damaging.
These questions are typically aimed at eliciting a controversial or damaging response that can be used to …
The “Washington Read” is the phenomenon by which, through a form of intellectual osmosis, a book is absorbed into the Washington atmosphere, according to the Washingtonian magazine.
“According to former White House speechwriter Dan McGroarty, to qualify as a Washington …
The “Fourth Estate” refers to the news media, especially with regards to their role in the political process.
The phrase has its origins in the French Revolution, where the church, nobility and commoners comprised the first, second, and third estates. …
A photo-op is short for a “photo opportunity,” an event specifically staged for television news cameras or photographers to increase a politician’s exposure.
A photo-op serves as an opportunity for politicians or public figures to engage in activities or settings …
The “full Ginsburg” refers to an appearance by one person on all five major Sunday-morning interview shows on the same day:
“Politics ain’t beanbag” Is an old-fashioned way of saying that politics can be rough.
People express roughly the same idea when they call politics “hardball” or “sharp-elbowed.”
The term originally comes from a 19th century novel…
An “opinion leader” is one whose opinions about something have a significant impact on the opinions of others. “Influencer” is sometimes used as a synonym for opinion leader.
In politics, an opinion leader helps to shape public opinion about policies, …