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Political Dictionary - An essential guide to the language of powerAn essential guide to the language of powerPolitical Dictionary - An essential guide to the language of power Skip to Content A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Acela Corridor 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 … Read More about Acela Corridor Recall Election A “recall election” allows voters to oust an elected official, by means of a direct vote,while that official is still  in the middle … Read More about Recall Election Grand Bargain A “Grand Bargain” refers to a broad, bipartisan agreement that aims to resolve complex and often contentious issues through significant concessions from both sides of … Read More about Grand Bargain Petitioning Petitioning is a phase in a campaign where organizers collect signatures from eligible voters to achieve a specific political objective. This objective can vary widely, … Read More about Petitioning Absentee Ballot An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable to visit the official polling place on Election Day. This type … Read More about Absentee Ballot Earmarks 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 … Read More about Earmarks Exit Polls 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.… Read More about Exit Polls Morning Business Morning business is routine business that is supposed to occur during the first two hours of a new legislative day in the U.S. Senate. This … Read More about Morning Business Democrat Party The term “Democrat Party” is often employed by Republican critics as a slight against the Democratic Party. The proper name is the Democratic Party, and … Read More about Democrat Party Dear Colleague letter Named for their opening salutation, a “Dear Colleague letter” is an official communication distributed in bulk by a lawmaker to all members of Congress. They … Read More about Dear Colleague letter Recess Appointment A recess appointment is a presidential appointment typically requiring Senate approval that is made during a Senate recess. To be confirmed, the appointment must be … Read More about Recess Appointment Cracking “Cracking” refers to the gerrymandering practice of spreading voters of a particular group or party across multiple electoral districts in order to dilute their voting … Read More about Cracking Packing “Packing” refers to the strategic manipulation of electoral district boundaries to concentrate as many voters of one party as possible into a single district. The … Read More about Packing Mandate Broadly, a mandate is the authority that voters confer on an elected official to act as their representative. Usually, though, a political mandate refers to … Read More about Mandate Cats and Dogs 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 … Read More about Cats and Dogs Misheard the Question The phrase “misheard the question” is often invoked as a means of damage control when a politician gives an answer that generates negative attention or … Read More about Misheard the Question Permanent Campaign The term “permanent campaign” was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign. The book explained how the breakdown in … Read More about Permanent Campaign Copperheads The Copperheads were Northern Democrats who opposed the Civil War and wanted a peace settlement with the Confederates. Republicans started calling them Copperheads, likening them … Read More about Copperheads Power Corrupts “Power corrupts” refers to the statement made by the 19th century British historian Lord Acton who declared that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power … Read More about Power Corrupts Gerrymander The term “gerrymander” refers to the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts in order to benefit a particular political party or … Read More about Gerrymander Convention Bounce A “convention bounce” refers to the surge of support a presidential candidates may enjoy after the televised national convention of their party. The size and … Read More about Convention Bounce Earned Media 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 … Read More about Earned Media Electoral College 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 … Read More about Electoral College Lay on the Table In a legislative context, to “lay on the table” refers to the action of temporarily postponing consideration of a motion or bill. This is typically … Read More about Lay on the Table Full Grassley The term “full Grassley” is a presidential campaign strategy where a candidate visits all 99 counties in the state of Iowa. This strategy is named … Read More about Full Grassley The Next Eugene McCarthy “The next Eugene McCarthy” refers to a politician or candidate who, like Senator McCarthy did during the 1968 presidential campaign, galvanizes a significant grassroots movement … Read More about The Next Eugene McCarthy Lame Duck Session A “lame duck session” is when the House or Senate reconvenes in an even-numbered year following the November general elections to consider various … Read More about Lame Duck Session Unanimous Consent Unanimous consent is a legislative procedure whereby a legislator requests approval by all legislators to approve rule changes and bills. The rules have been used … Read More about Unanimous Consent With All Due Respect “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 … Read More about With All Due Respect My Good Friend The phrase “my good friend” is often employed as a term of collegiality between politicians, regardless of their actual personal relationship or political alignment. The … Read More about My Good Friend Left-Wing Loony The term “left-wing loony” or “loony left” is a pejorative description primarily used in American politics to describe someone perceived as holding fringe leftist views.… Read More about Left-Wing Loony Put Politics Aside The phrase “put politics aside” is an appeal to transcend partisan or ideological divides in order to address an issue of mutual concern. Often invoked … Read More about Put Politics Aside Aisle 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 … Read More about Aisle Deep Regret The term “deep regret” is often used as a carefully calibrated expression of apology or contrition without admitting legal or ethical wrongdoing. The phrase is … Read More about Deep Regret King of the Hill The “king of the hill” is a special rule in the House of Representatives for sequencing different amendments. Under this rule, all of the proposed … Read More about King of the Hill Vetter A “vetter” is an individual or team responsible for conducting thorough background checks and investigations into the qualifications and suitability of a candidate or appointee.… Read More about Vetter Surrogate A “surrogate” refers to an individual who publicly speaks on behalf of a candidate or elected official, typically to promote, defend, or explain their positions … Read More about Surrogate Shot/Chaser In the context of politics, the phrase “shot/chaser” is typically used to describe a juxtaposition of two related yet contrasting pieces of information, often presented … Read More about Shot/Chaser Charm Offensive 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 … Read More about Charm Offensive Throwing Shade “Throwing shade” refers to the act of publicly criticizing, demeaning, or subtly mocking a political opponent, often in a clever or nuanced manner. Unlike more … Read More about Throwing Shade Pitbull Politics Rough and tumble, attack-dog style political campaigns are sometimes referred to as pitbull politics. In the same way, a pitbull politician is one who is … Read More about Pitbull Politics Dark Horse A “dark horse” is a candidate for office for whom little is known or for whom expectations are low, but who then goes on to … Read More about Dark Horse Listening Tour A “listening tour” is a strategic series of meetings, events, or visits conducted by a politician or candidate to gather input, concerns, and perspectives from … Read More about Listening Tour Cone of Silence 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 … Read More about Cone of Silence Ranking Member The term “ranking member” refers to the most senior member of the minority party on a congressional committee in both the U.S. House of Representatives … Read More about Ranking Member Vote Your Conscience The phrase “vote your conscience” in politics carries a multifaceted meaning. This expression is not merely a call to action — it embodies a fundamental … Read More about Vote Your Conscience Astroturfing 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 … Read More about Astroturfing Motor Voter The term “motor voter” refers to a law in the United States that allows eligible citizens to register to vote when they apply … Read More about Motor Voter Wag the Dog 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 … Read More about Wag the Dog Slash-and-Burn In politics, the term “slash-and-burn” refers to a strategy of aggressively undermining existing policies or reputations to achieve a particular goal — often without much … Read More about Slash-and-Burn It’s a Long Way to Tipperary “It’s a long way to Tipperary” is often employed metaphorically to underscore the complexity and length of a political process, suggesting that achieving a particular … Read More about It’s a Long Way to Tipperary Gish Gallop The “Gish Gallop” is a rhetorical technique named after Duane Gish, a prominent figure in the creationist movement who used this method to overwhelm his … Read More about Gish Gallop Political Jujitsu “Political jujitsu” refers to the strategic practice of using an opponent’s actions, statements, or strategies against them to gain an advantage, much like the martial … Read More about Political Jujitsu Weaponize The term “weaponize” refers to the strategic manipulation or transformation of information, institutions, or social issues into tools for gaining political advantage. This … Read More about Weaponize Low Information Voters “Low information voters” refers to individuals who participate in electoral processes without a comprehensive understanding of the issues or candidates. Such voters may make decisions … Read More about Low Information Voters Take Our Country Back The phrase “take our country back” is often employed as a rallying cry aimed at mobilizing voters around the idea of restoring a … Read More about Take Our Country Back It’s Just Politics “It’s just politics” is often invoked to downplay or rationalize actions, decisions, or maneuvers that may be contentious, controversial, or ethically murky. It serves as … Read More about It’s Just Politics Probe with Bayonets “Probe with bayonets” refers to a cautious yet assertive approach to assessing the weaknesses or reactions of an opponent, often before making a significant move … Read More about Probe with Bayonets Tell It Like It Is The phrase “tell it like it is” is commonly used to describe politicians or pundits that are perceived as being forthright, candid, and unfiltered in … Read More about Tell It Like It Is Orwellian The term “Orwellian” is often invoked to describe actions that evoke the themes of surveillance, authoritarianism, and manipulation of truth found in George Orwell’s dystopian … Read More about Orwellian Nixon in China The phrase “Nixon in China” refers to the paradoxical phenomenon where a leader takes an action that is unexpected or contrary to their established ideological … Read More about Nixon in China Poke the Bear “Poke the bear” refers to the act of deliberately challenging or provoking a powerful individual, group, or nation, often with the risk of eliciting an … Read More about Poke the Bear Pork Barrel Projects Pork barrel projects describes the appropriation of government spending for localized projects, usually secured primarily to bring money to a representative’s district. Origin of “Pork … Read More about Pork Barrel Projects Pro Forma Session A pro forma session is a brief meeting of a legislative body, typically lasting only a few minutes, during which no formal business … Read More about Pro Forma Session Low Propensity Voters In the context of politics, “low propensity voters” refers to individuals who are eligible to vote but have a history of infrequent participation in elections, … Read More about Low Propensity Voters Inartful The term “inartful” is often used to describe statements or actions that are clumsily executed or poorly communicated, potentially leading to misunderstandings or negative public … Read More about Inartful Checks and Balances The term “checks and balances” refers to the separation of powers that results from divided branches of government outlined in the U.S. Constitution.… Read More about Checks and Balances Government Relations “Government relations” refers to the specialized practice of influencing public policy and decision-making processes within legislative bodies, executive agencies, and other governmental institutions. Often executed … Read More about Government Relations Smoke-Filled Room A “smoke-filled room” is used to describe a situation where politicians or other powerful individuals gather in a private, enclosed space to make … Read More about Smoke-Filled Room Dog Whistle Politics “Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by … Read More about Dog Whistle Politics Clown Car 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 … Read More about Clown Car Casework 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 … Read More about Casework Cloakroom 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 … Read More about Cloakroom War Room The term “war room” in politics has a somewhat different connotation compared to its original military usage, where it referred to a room … Read More about War Room Peanut Politician A peanut politician is one who practices politics on a petty scale and who is chiefly motivated by narrow self-interest. Peanut politicians are also often … Read More about Peanut Politician Demagogue A demagogue is a politician whose rhetoric appeals to raw emotions such as fear and hatred in order to gain power, rather than … Read More about Demagogue Hardball “Hardball” refers to a straightforward, often aggressive strategy employed in politics to achieve one’s goals. It typically involves a no-nonsense attitude, where individuals are focused … Read More about Hardball Conference Committee A “conference committee” is a temporary joint committee specifically created to reconcile differences between House-passed and Senate-passed versions of a bill. Comprising an equal number … Read More about Conference Committee Yeas and Nays The “yeas and nays” is a recorded roll call vote of members of the House or Senate. The term “yeas” refers to votes in favor … Read More about Yeas and Nays Packing the Galleries “Packing the galleries” is an outdated practice in which campaign managers would fill up the seats at a political convention with their own supporters. In … Read More about Packing the Galleries Hopper 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 … Read More about Hopper Logrolling Logrolling refers to a quid pro quo exchange of favors. In politics, it generally refers to vote-trading by lawmakers to ensure that each … Read More about Logrolling Establishment 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, … Read More about Establishment K Street K Street refers to the area in downtown Washington, D.C. where many lobbyists, lawyers and advocacy groups have their offices. The term has become synonymous … Read More about K Street Inside the Beltway “Inside the Beltway” is a term used to describe the political landscape and culture within the Capital Beltway, the Interstate 495 highway that encircles … Read More about Inside the Beltway Ex Officio 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 … Read More about Ex Officio Riddick’s Senate Procedure “Riddick’s Senate Procedure” is a comprehensive reference work that serves as the definitive guide to the rules, practices, and precedents governing the United States Senate.… Read More about Riddick’s Senate Procedure Caucus 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 … Read More about Caucus False Flag A “false flag” describes covert operations designed to deceive by creating the appearance that activities are being carried out by groups or nations other than … Read More about False Flag Pork Chopper A pork chopper is a union official who is in his position because of self-interest, not because he has the best interest of the other … Read More about Pork Chopper Feeding at the Public Trough “Feeding at the public trough” is using government funds to enrich oneself. Feeding at the public trough refers to activities which are, strictly speaking, legal, … Read More about Feeding at the Public Trough Are You Any Better Off “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 … Read More about Are You Any Better Off Codel A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business. These trips … Read More about Codel Pressing the Flesh “Pressing the flesh” refers to shaking hands, usually in a warm and effusive manner. It is an integral part of most political campaigns … Read More about Pressing the Flesh Big Lie 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 … Read More about Big Lie Presidential Fever “Presidential fever” is the overwhelming, fervent desire to be elected president of the United States. Presidential fever can also refer to an extreme love of … Read More about Presidential Fever McCarthyism McCarthyism is a term used to describe the political practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without adequate evidence. The term is named … Read More about McCarthyism One Man, One Vote “One man, one vote” is a slogan used to express an ideal of equal representation for all citizens. One man, one vote is also often … Read More about One Man, One Vote Impeachment Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for … Read More about Impeachment Whistle-Stopping “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 … Read More about Whistle-Stopping Yellow Dog Democrat A yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who was unwavering in their loyalty to the Democratic party. Those faithful Democrats swore that … Read More about Yellow Dog Democrat Older → Search for: About the Political Dictionary Trending TermsSquishChecks and BalancesWitch HuntLow Propensity VotersChicken in Every Pot Topicsactivism bureaucracy bureaucrats campaigning City Hall Cold War communism conservatives conspiracy theory corruption debates Democrats demographics diplomacy dirty tricks economy election administration elections Executive Branch foreign affairs fundraising George W. 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