Strange Bedfellows

The term “strange bedfellows” describes politicians with seemingly opposing ideologies or interests who form an alliance for a specific political objective.

This phenomenon is a testament to the pragmatic nature of politics, where the pursuit of common goals can unite even the most unlikely allies.

These alliances often arise out of necessity, driven by the desire to achieve a specific policy outcome or electoral victory, despite deep-seated differences on other issues.

Such partnerships can be temporary and fragile, with each party aware that they may part ways once their immediate goals are met.

Origin of “Strange Bedfellows”

The term comes from Shakespeare’s The Tempest when a storm causes Trinculo to seek shelter under a sheet with Caliban, whom he regards as an enemy. “There is no other shelter hereabout: misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows. I will here shroud till the dregs of the storm be past.”