The following is a list of common political metaphors:
Relating to the executive
Relating to the legislature
- blank check: legislation which is vaguely worded to the point where it can be widely exploited and abused
- pork barrel legislation or patronage: acts of government that blatantly favor special interest groups.
- a bill rider
- poison pill a provision in an act or bill which defeat its ostensible intent, or which make it politically unacceptable.
Relating to elections
- sacrificial lamb: a candidate who has no chance of winning
- third rail: an issue which is so controversial it is not worth pursuing
- stalking horse: a perceived front-runner candidate who unifies his or her opponents, usually within a single political party.
- parachute candidate / carpetbagger: a candidate who runs for election in an area which he or she is not a native resident or has no ties.
- dark horse: a candidate who is largely ignored by opponents yet makes significant gains.
- mudslinging: harsh partisan insults exchanged between candidates
- character assassination: spreading (usually) manufactured stories about a candidate with the intent to destroy his or her reputation in the eyes of the public.
- landslide victory: a huge victory for one side.
Others
- a straw man: an argument which is weak and easily defeated, though usually not the main issue at stake.
- Government in the sunshine: a government which keeps all its records and documents open and easily accessible by the public.
- a witch hunt: a hysterical pursuit of political enemies
- a melting pot: a society in which all outsiders assimilate to one social norm.
