H

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, …

“Happy Days Are Here Again” is the title of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s official campaign song in 1932.

The song remained the unofficial anthem of the …

A “happy warrior” is a politician or political activist who remains optimistic and cheerful even in the face of adversity or contentious political battles.

This …

“Hardball” is a no-nonsense attitude or approach to getting what you want in politics.

It’s a term borrowed from the sport of baseball, where it …

The Hastert rule is an informal guiding principle for leaders in the House of Representatives that dictates a majority of the majority party support any …

Throwing one’s “hat in the ring” means announcing one’s intention to compete in a contest. In politics, it means running for political office.

The phrase …

A “hatchet man” is an operative in charge of doing political dirty work — or dirty tricks — both during a campaign and sometimes as …

The phrase “heartbeat away from the presidency” refers to the fact that the vice president will automatically succeed the presidency in the case of the …

A “heck of a job” is a complete and total screw-up.

It’s used, ironically, to show when one’s view of a situation is in contradiction …

“Heroes in the balcony” refers to a tradition started by President Ronald Reagan during his State of the Union addresses.

It involves inviting ordinary citizens …

Hideaways are personal, unmarked offices in the Capitol originally assigned to senior senators. They are often conveniently located near the Senate floor.

The hideaway location …

“Hiking the Appalachian Trail” is a euphemism for a politician who claims to be doing one thing but in reality went to meet with his …

“Hizzoner” is a nickname used by journalists to refer to big city mayors, especially in New York City. Hizzoner is a contraction of “his honor,” …

Honest graft refers to the money-making opportunities that might arise while holding public office.

The activities are, strictly speaking, legal, although they might raise eyebrows …

A “honeymoon period” is a period of popularity enjoyed by a new leader.

Usually, the term refers to an incoming president but it can refer …

A “hopper” refers to a physical box or an electronic system where proposed bills or resolutions are submitted in a legislative body.

The concept comes …

Hustings are the speeches and campaign events associated with an election cycle. “On the hustings” is a synonym for being on the campaign trail.

The …