A “stemwinder” is a rousing political speech that galvanizes a crowd to take action. It’s a speech that is able to capture the attention and … The post Stemwinder appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
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 … The post Democrat Party appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
An “open primary” is an election that allows voters to select candidates on one party’s ballot without declaring their own party affiliation. Open primaries are … The post Open Primary appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
A “straw man” refers to an intentionally misrepresented proposition or argument that is set up because it is easier to defeat than an opponent’s real … The post Straw Man appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
A “Farley file” is a log kept by politicians on the people they have met previously. It’s named for James A. Farley, who was … The post Farley file appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
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 … The post Earmarks appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
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, … The post Petitioning appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable to visit the official polling place on Election Day. This type of vote … The post Absentee Ballot appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
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 … The post Morning Business appeared first on Political Dictionary.| Political Dictionary
“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 …| Political Dictionary
“Nobody drowned at Watergate” was a phrase used, especially by supporters of President Richard Nixon, to minimize the impact of the Watergate scandal and to …| Political Dictionary
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. …| Political Dictionary
In politics, “vetting” refers to the process of thoroughly investigating and evaluating a candidate’s background, qualifications, and character before they are selected for a political …| Political Dictionary
A “steamroller” is someone who brings something about by means of brute political might. A politician might be said to steamroll the opposition, or even …| Political Dictionary
“It’s the economy stupid” was a phrase coined by James Carville in 1992, when he was advising Bill Clinton in his successful run for the …| Political Dictionary
The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate each have a sergeant-at-arms, whose job it is to maintain order in the legislative chamber. The sergeant-at-arms …| Political Dictionary
The term “teabaggers” is a derogatory nickname used to refer to supporters of the conservative “Tea Party” movement. As CBS News notes: It’s the sort …| Political Dictionary
The term “muckety muck” refers to individuals who hold significant power, influence, or high rank within politics. It can be a somewhat dismissive or derogatory …| Political Dictionary
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 …| Political Dictionary
The grassroots are the ordinary people in a region, or in a political party. The “grassroots” level is the opposite of the leadership level. In …| Political Dictionary
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 …| Political Dictionary
An essential guide to the language of power| Political Dictionary
A primary to select candidates what is run by a political party and not the state.| Political Dictionary
Logrolling refers to a quid pro quo exchange of favors. In politics, it generally refers to vote-trading by lawmakers to ensure that each legislator’s favored …| Political Dictionary