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Earmarks are funds that are allocated to a specific program, project or for a designated purpose, or that direct specific exemptions from taxes or mandated …

In political parlance, “earned media” refers to coverage or publicity that is not directly paid for by a campaign or political party, but rather is …

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events …

“Effete snobs” was a phrase used by Vice President Spiro Agnew to denounce anti-war protesters, and young intellectuals in general, during the Vietnam …

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

“Eight millionaires and a plumber” is a dismissive reference to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first cabinet.

Eisenhower’s critics complained that the president’s top advisers were …

An “elastic state” is one whose voting outcome in a presidential election is relatively sensitive or responsive to changes in political conditions, such as a …

Electability refers to a political candidate’s perceived ability to win an election, as assessed by voters, party insiders, political pundits, and the media.

It encapsulates …

The “Election Administrator’s Prayer” is a phrase that is used to refer to the challenges and responsibilities faced by those who are responsible for administering …

To “electioneer” is to actively take part in an election by working for the election of a candidate or a party.

The word is almost …

The Electoral College is a constitutionally mandated process that determines who serves as president and vice president of the United States every four years.

It …

The “Eleventh Commandment” refers to the adage, “Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican.”

This unwritten rule encourages party unity by discouraging public criticism …

The “enemies list” was a tally of political opponents kept by the Nixon administration.

The phrase is now used as shorthand to refer …

“Entryism” is a political tactic of joining an organization with which you do not agree with the intention of changing it from the inside.

The …

The “Era of Good Feeling” refers to a period in U.S. history from about 1815 until about 1825, characterized by a sense of optimism and …

In political discourse, the term “establishment” refers to the traditional, institutionalized power structures and key players within a political system, which can include party leaders, …

The “eunuch rule” is a reference to the provisions in many state constitutions which prevented state governors from running for a second consecutive term in …

“Every Man a King” is the title of a speech delivered in 1934 by Senator Huey Long of Louisiana.

The speech, which Long delivered on …

“Evil empire” was President Ronald Reagan’s name for the Soviet Union.

Reagan often portrayed the struggle between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. as a moral …

The term “ex officio” comes from the Latin phrase “from the office,” and in politics it refers to someone who is part of a political …

An exit poll is a survey of voters taken immediately as they leave the polling place in which they are asked which candidate they chose.…

An exploratory committee is a preliminary organizational structure that potential candidates establish to assess the viability of their candidacy before officially entering the presidential race.…