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Aardvarking is recruiting candidates for public office with the main objective of having their names begin with the letter A.

The practice of aardvarking is …

An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable to visit the official polling place on Election Day.

This type …

The “Acela corridor” refers to the Northeast megalopolis that stretches roughly from Washington, D.C., through New York City, to Boston.

Named after Amtrak’s high-speed Acela …

The “advance man” is someone who makes arrangements and handles publicity for the candidate during a campaign.

The advance man travels to a location ahead …

“Advice and Consent” is a critical phrase in the United States Constitution that outlines a key aspect of the checks and balances among the three …

Agitprop is political propaganda, especially in the form of art or literature, which is used to advance a political stance.

A portmanteau of …

The “aisle” refers to the space which divides the majority side from the minority on the House and Senate floor.

When debating, members frequently refer …

To “Akinize” is to try to diminish a political foe by likening his or her words to remarks on “legitimate rape” made by …

“All things to all men” is a phrase applied to politicians who seem to be making contradictory promises and statements so that they can appeal …

The term “alternative facts” was a phrase coined by White House adviser Kellyanne Conway to defend a false statement by press secretary Sean Spicer about …

“Amen corner” is a term used in politics to refer to a group of people or legislators who always support or agree with a particular …

Ronald Reagan’s critics often referred to the president as an “amiable dunce.”

The phrase was meant to suggest that Reagan was friendly and likeable, but …

“Appeasement” is a diplomatic policy in which nations attempt to make peace by making concessions to an aggressive nation. Appeasement is often linked with the …

“Are you any better off” is a phrase commonly used in politics to question whether the policies and actions of a particular candidate or political …

An armchair strategist is a person who creates plans and military strategy without being directly involved in the area.

The term is often used in …

“Arsenal of democracy” is a term that was first coined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a radio address to the nation on …

The “art of the possible” is idea that politics is a matter of pragmatism, instead of idealism.

According to this worldview, politics is a matter …

Astroturfing is an artificially-manufactured political movement designed to give the appearance of grassroots activism.

It involves presenting a biased or skewed view of public …

“Astrotweeting” is the creation of fake Twitter profiles to show support for a political candidate.

Bill White described the practice in an Texas Monthly interview …

An “attack dog” in politics is a person, usually a politician or a political operative, who is designated to aggressively challenge and criticize the opposition.…

An “autopsy report” is a comprehensive examination and analysis performed by a political party, organization, or think tank following an electoral defeat.

The primary objective …

A “back channel” is an unofficial means of communication between two nations or two political entities.

“Backchanneling” is also used as a verb, to refer …

A “backbencher” is a junior member in the British House of Commons who occupies the back benches of Parliament, sitting behind party leaders and top …

A “backgrounder” is an off-the-record briefing for members of the news media.

Reporters are free to report on what they learn at a background briefing …

The term “bafflegab” is used to describe language or speech that is intentionally vague, misleading, or difficult to understand.

In politics, it is often used …

The term “bagman” is used to describe a person who acts as an intermediary or messenger, delivering or collecting money or other valuable items on …

The Bailey memorandum was circulated among members of the Democratic party in 1956, arguing that Catholic voters were a key demographic that could be harnessed …

A balanced ticket is a paring of political party candidates designed to appeal to a broad swathe of the electorate. A balanced ticket normally includes …

“Ballot box stuffing” is a term that refers to the practice of illegally submitting more than one vote in a ballot in which …

The term “ballyhoo” refers to a type of political propaganda that is designed to create a public spectacle or spectacle and attract attention to a …

To be on the “bandwagon” is to follow a group that has a large and growing number of followers.

A bandwagon is literally a wagon …

In politics, a “bargaining chip” refers to something that is used as leverage in a negotiation, an attempt to pass legislation, or an effort to …

A barnstormer travels around the country or state making political appearances during a political campaign.

The events are typically set up by an advance man…

The terms “battleground state” and “swing state” refer to states that have closely divided support for Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.

They are …

The term “bean counter” is a slang term used to refer to individuals who are perceived as overly focused on financial or budgetary concerns, often …

A beauty contest refers to a unique, non-traditional form of primary where the focus is more on gauging candidate popularity and less on the direct …

“Bed-wetting” refers to someone who expresses doubt or excessive worry about a political outcome.

The term “bed-wetting” in politics has roots in psychological analogies.

Much …

In politics, a “bellwether” refers to a geographic area whose political beliefs and voting preferences reflect that of a wider area.

For example, a county …

“Beltway bandits” describes a private business or political entity that operates inside the Beltway, the interstate highway that encircles Washington, D.C.

More specifically, the …

“Better red than dead” is a phrase that reflects the belief that, despite the widespread perceived dangers of communism and the Soviet Union, it was …

Broadly speaking, “big government” is a political term that refers to how much influence the federal government has on the day-to-day lives of American citizens.…

A “big lie” is an extreme distortion of the truth, used for the purpose of spreading propaganda. It is often somewhat outrageous.

In theory, people …

In politics, a “big tent” refers to an inclusive party which encourages a wide swathe of people to become members.

The opposite of “big tent” …

A bill is a proposed law introduced in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.

A bill originating in the House is …

A Bircher is an adherent to the teachings and philosophies of the John Birch Society, an anti-communist organization founded in 1958.

The heyday of the …

“Bird-dogging” is a term that originates from hunting, where a bird dog is trained to sniff out and point towards game birds, but in politics …

A blanket primary is a primary election whereby each voter can select one candidate per office regardless of party.

This primary is different from open …

The term “bleeding hearts” refers to people who care deeply  — so deeply that their hearts bleed — about the suffering of the needy. The …

The Blue Dog Democrats are a coalition of moderate House Democrats.

The group is dedicated to fiscally conservative legislation and a strong national defense. They …

Blue slips are a long-standing Senate tradition that allows a Senator to signal opposition to a federal judicial nominee from their home state.…

A “blue state” is one whose voters elect primarily Democratic candidates.

It is the opposite of a red state, which elects primarily Republican candidates.…

Blue-slipping is a term that originates from the United States Congress and refers to a procedural action taken by the House of Representatives to assert …

A “body man” is an assistant or valet who follows a political figure around the clock, providing logistical assistance for daily tasks ranging from paperwork …

A Boll weevil Democrat was a conservative southern Democrat in the mid 1900s, largely known for his opposition to civil rights.

They used …

A “bomb thrower” is used metaphorically to describe a person — often a politician or political operative — who uses provocative, inflammatory, or extreme rhetoric …

A “boodle” refers to a large sum of bribe money or graft money.

Boodle can also be used to mean a large collection of something. …

A “boondoggle” is a wasteful or extravagant project with no practical value.

Usually, a boondoggle makes use of public funds and carries at least a …

“Borking” is attacking a person’s reputation and views for the purposes of denying them a political appointment.

Borking is characterized by intense scrutiny …

“Both-sidesing” is a term often used in political discourse to describe a tendency in media reporting where journalists, in their effort to maintain a sense …

The “Bradley effect” is a polling phenomenon involving high support for non-white and non-female candidates in opinion polls not reflected by election results.…

A “bridge builder” is a politician or diplomat who actively works to create or improve relationships, foster cooperation, and promote understanding among diverse groups or …

A brokered convention takes place when no one candidate wins a majority delegates during the presidential primary to earn their party’s nomination in …

A bully pulpit is a public office or position of authority that provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to …

“Bundlers” refers to individuals or organizations that raise large sums of money from multiple donors to support a political campaign or cause.

These bundlers are …

“Bundling” refers to the practice of collecting contributions from multiple donors and submitting them to a political campaign or political action committee (PAC) as a …

“Bunk” is empty or nonsense talk.

In 1820, Rep. Felix Walker from Ashville, North Carolina justified his long-winded and somewhat irrelevant remarks about the Missouri …

A “by-election” is an election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regularly scheduled elections.

Typically, they occur when the incumbent …

A “cabal” is a group of people involved in a secret plot or conspiracy.

The term can also refer to the plot itself, or to …

“Camelot” is a reference to President John F. Kennedy’s administration.

Kennedy’s brief, ill-fated presidency has been highly mythologized; some people point to it …

The “can’t win technique” is a campaign strategy used during the primary season.

Typically, it means telling delegates and voters that your rival can’t possibly …

The “candy desk” is where a supply of candy is kept in the U.S. Senate.

Sen. George Murphy (R-CA) originated the practice of keeping a …

A “captive candidate” is one who is allegedly “owned” by special interests or political groups. Calling someone a “captive candidate” is similar to saying that …

A “carpetbagger” is a politician who runs for office or tries to appeal to a constituency in a geographic area where he or …

The term “casework” refers to assistance provided by members of Congress to constituents who need help while filing a grievance with the federal government or …

Cats and dogs are are leftover “stray” bills on minor subjects saved for days when the House or Senate have light floor schedules.

It is …

A “cattle call” is a public event at which a big group of candidates for public office all speak.

The term comes from the acting …

A caucus is an informal meeting of local party members to discuss candidates and choose delegates to their party’s convention.

It can also refer to …

The “cemetery vote” refers to a form of voter fraud, in which votes are cast in the names of registered voters who have, in fact, …

A “charm offensive” refers to a coordinated campaign of personal engagement, public relations efforts, and sometimes even flattery, aimed at winning the favor or support …

The Chatham House Rule is a system for holding discussions on potentially controversial topics, particularly in politics and public affairs.

At a meeting held under …

The “Checkers speech” was a televised address given by then-Senator Richard Nixon on September 23, 1952 as he was fighting to retain his …

The term “checks and balances” refers to the separation of powers that results from divided branches of government outlined in the U.S. Constitution.…

A “Cherokee Strip” is the seating area in the U.S. Senate chamber when some members of the majority party mist sit on the side of …

“Chicago-style politics” is a phrase used to characterize a supposedly offensive tough, “take-no-prisoners” or “hardball” approach to politics.

It often refers more specifically …

“Chicken in every pot” was Republican campaign slogan of the late 1920s.

The slogan is often incorrectly attributed to Herbert Hoover; it became a means …

A “chilling effect” is a situation in which rights are restricted, often because of indirect political pressure or overbroad legislation.

Chilling effect is usually used …

“Chum” is campaign gear such as bumper stickers, lawn signs, and campaign buttons.

The concept of chum draws its metaphorical origins from the practice of …

A “city on a hill” is used to refer to America’s supposed standing in the world, as a “beacon of hope” which other nations can …

Class warfare refers to the tension and struggle between different socioeconomic classes, often framed as the conflict between the wealthy and the working classes.…

In politics, a “clean sweep” occurs in an election when a candidate or party achieves an overwhelming or complete victory, winning in all or almost …

In politics, cloakrooms are spaces adjacent to the chambers of the Senate and the House where politicians from both parties can gather to discuss Congressional …

A “clothespin vote” is a colorful term referring to a vote given to the “less objectionable” candidate despite a distaste for him or her. It’s …

“Cloture” is legislative term referring to a motion or process by which debate is brought to a quick end.

Origin of “Cloture”

From the French …

The term “clown car” is often used pejoratively in politics to describe a large and unwieldy field of candidates vying for a particular office, usually …

The “coattail effect” is a phenomenon whereby a political candidate or leader’s popularity leads to improved vote totals for fellow party candidates further down the …

A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business.

These trips …

The Committee of the Whole is a procedural device used to expedite debates in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives uses this …

The “Compact of Fifth Avenue” resulted from a meeting in 1960 between aspiring presidential candidate Richard Nixon met Nelson Rockefeller in Rockefeller’s New York City …

A “concession speech” is the speech a candidate delivers after the vote results are clear, when they publicly acknowledge that they’ve been defeated in an …

The term “cone of silence” refers to a situation or environment where sensitive information is strictly safeguarded from unauthorized individuals, including the media and sometimes …