list of political metaphors

The following is a list of common political metaphors:

figurehead: a leader whose powers are entirely symbolic, such as a constitutional monarch.
a puppet government: a government that is manipulated by a foreign power for its own interests
a lame duck: a politician who has lost an election and is simply waiting for his term limit to expire.

blank check: legislation which is vaugely 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

a sacrificial lamb: a candidate who has no chance of winning
a third rail: an issue which is so controversial it is not worth persuing
stalking horse: a percieved front-runner candidate who unifies his or her opponents, usually within a single political party.
a 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.
a 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.
a landslide victory: a huge victory for one side.

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 accesible by the public.
a witch hunt: a hysterical persuit of political enemies
a melting pot: a society in which all outsiders assimilate to one social norm.

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