W

The phrase “wag the dog” refers to a strategy where a political leader engages in diversionary tactics—often involving military action or another high-stakes maneuver—to distract …

The term “war room” in politics has a somewhat different connotation compared to its original military usage, where it referred to a room …

The “Washington Monument strategy” is named after a tactic used by the National Park Service to threaten closure of the popular Washington Monument when lawmakers …

The “Washington Read” is the phenomenon by which, through a form of intellectual osmosis, a book is absorbed “inside the Beltway.”

From the …

A “watershed election” is an election which represents a major shift away from the current political situation and often marked by sweeping changes in party …

A “wave election” is a term used to describe a significant electoral shift in which one political party makes substantial gains in seats …

The term “weaponize” refers to the strategic manipulation or transformation of information, institutions, or social issues into tools for gaining political advantage.

This …

“Weasel words” are used to evade a question or an issue.

They are a way to avoid direct statements of fact or principle. It’s similar …

A wedge issue is a highly divisive political or social issue.

It can create divisions between a candidate’s supporters or between members of the same …

The “well” refers to the area at the front of the chamber where the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other leaders of the …

The act of spreading negative rumors about a political candidate, in order to discredit him or her in the eyes of voters. This can also …

“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 …

A whistleblower refers to an individual who exposes illicit activities, misconduct, or unethical practices occurring within a political entity, government institution, or related organizations.

Whistleblowers …

The term “whiz kids” refers to any intellectually gifted, precocious young people who possess exceptional talent and the confidence to effectively utilize it in various …

“Wilderness years” are a period of time in a politician’s career when he or she is not holding a position of power. This may happen …

In political parlance, the term “wing nut” is often used as a pejorative to describe someone who holds extreme, radical, or fringe views.

The term …

The term “wise men” refers to a group of respected, experienced individuals who are consulted for their expertise and judgment on important matters of policy …

A “witch hunt” is a politically-motivated, often vindictive investigation that feeds on public fears.

Origin of “Witch Hunt”

The origins of the term “witch hunt” …

“With all due respect” is often employed as a rhetorical device to preface a statement of disagreement or critique, ostensibly cushioning the blow while drawing …

“Woke” is a term that has evolved and expanded in usage, particularly within political and cultural discourse.

The term is connected to the broader concept …

A “wonk” is a person preoccupied with arcane details of public policy and governance.

For instance, a policy wonk takes an intense interest in the …

To “work the room” is to move through a crowd, greeting people and engaging them in conversation.

Working the room typically involves a lot of …