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The “Daisy ad” is a political advertisement that aired only once during the 1964 U.S. presidential campaign but has since become emblematic of …

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 …

“Dark money” describes political donations that are made by individuals or organizations in a way that hides their identity from the public.

In the United …

Named for their opening salutation, a “Dear Colleague letter” is an official communication distributed in bulk by a lawmaker to all members of Congress.

They …

“Death panels” was a political term which falsely referred to the supposed dangers posed by the Affordable Care Act.

Some opponents of the law, better …

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 …

The term “deep regret” is often used as a carefully calibrated expression of apology or contrition without admitting legal or ethical wrongdoing.

The phrase is …

The “deep state” is a conspiracy theory which suggests that collusion exists within the U.S. political system and a hidden government within the legitimately elected …

A demagogue is a politician whose rhetoric appeals to raw emotions such as fear and hatred in order to gain power, rather than …

The term “Democrat Party” is often employed by Republican critics as a slight against the Democratic Party.

The proper name is the Democratic Party, and …

A “demon sheep” is a sinister politician who pretends to be what he is not.

It’s a derogatory term related to Republicans who …

A DINO — or Democrat In Name Only — is a disparaging term that refers to a Democratic candidate whose political views are seen as …

“Dirty tricks” are actions taken by a political campaign or candidate to damage their opponents that may involve unethical, distasteful, or illegal behaviors.

Political candidates …

A “discharge petition” is a strategic, often controversial, legislative tool that serves to circumvent traditional committee review and bring a bill directly to …

The Dixiecrats were a group of Southern Democrats who broke away from their party in 1948 because they objected to the Democratic Party’s stance on …

In 1948, when President Truman was running for re-election, he frequently attacked the Republican-controlled Congress as the “do-nothing Congress.”

In fact, the 80th Congress passed …

“Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by …

The domino theory was critical in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

Domino theory argued that if one nation became communist, its neighboring …

“Don’t change horses” is a phrase used to urge voters to stick with the incumbent president during times of turmoil and conflict.

The full expression …

A “Dorothy Dixer” is a planted or pre-arranged question asked of a government minister by a backbencher of his or her own political party during …

The term “double-max” refers to a practice in campaign finance where an individual contributes the maximum allowed amount to a candidate’s primary and general election …

“Dummymander” is a play on the term “gerrymander,” and it refers to a redrawing of a district map that actually ends up benefiting …

“Dyed in the wool” is a phrase referring to people who hold very strong opinions and are unwilling to change them.

Synonyms include “uncompromising” and …

“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, …