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 …
A pooh bah is a person with great and often unchecked political power.
A pooh-bah may hold political office but is an ineffective leader who …
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 …
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 …
“Inside the Beltway” is a term used to describe the political landscape and culture within the Capital Beltway, the Interstate 495 highway that encircles …
“Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by …
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 …
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 …
“Pressing the flesh” refers to shaking hands, usually in a warm and effusive manner. It is an integral part of most political campaigns …
A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business.
These trips …
Logrolling refers to a quid pro quo exchange of favors.
In politics, it generally refers to vote-trading by lawmakers to ensure that each …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
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 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 phrase “rising tide lifts all boats” expresses the idea that if the economy improves, every participant in the economy will be in an improved …
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 …
“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, …
“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 …
The “vision thing” is a phrase that is famously associated with President George H.W. Bush from his time as vice president to Ronald Reagan.
In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in …
Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for …
“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 …
In politics, a fishing expedition is a pejorative phrase to describe an investigation that lacks a clear scope and defined purpose.
Fishing expeditions are usually …
“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.…
The “Phoney War” refers to a period of relative inactivity and low-intensity military operations at the beginning of World War II.
It was a time …
A “red herring” is an argument or piece of information that distracts from a different and more important issue.
In some cases, political operatives may …
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
A “political junkie” is an individual with an insatiable appetite for all things related to politics—be it elections, governance, policy analysis, or the …
The Night Mayor is the informal name for a city official charged with taking care of issues that arise in a city after dark.
A …
A yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who was unwavering in their loyalty to the Democratic party.
Those faithful Democrats swore that …
A “party boss” is a high-ranking individual within a political party, typically at the state or local level, who wields significant influence over …
“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 …
The New Deal was a series of government programs created during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It was designed to bring immediate economic …
A power grab is an attempt by an individual or group to acquire or consolidate power in an unlawful or unethical manner.
This can take …
A “witch hunt” is a politically-motivated, often vindictive investigation that feeds on public fears.
The origins of the term “witch hunt” …
“Time in the barrel” refers to a period when a political candidate, party, or policy is subjected to intense scrutiny or attack by the media, …
“Quiet diplomacy” refers to one state’s efforts to influence the behavior of another state through discreet negotiations or actions.
This means operating behind the scenes …
Political patronage is the system of rewarding political allies with government jobs, especially prestigious positions which pay well and demand little in the way of …
