Definition

A carefully staged event designed to generate positive imagery rather than substantive policy discussion. It's performance art masquerading as governance, optimized for the six o'clock news.

Example Usage

The governor's factory visit was pure photo op—hard hats, handshakes, and zero discussion of the plant's pending layoffs.

Origin

Short for 'photo opportunity,' emerged with television news in the 1960s-70s

Fun Fact

Michael Dukakis's 1988 tank photo op backfired so badly—making him look ridiculous rather than tough—that it's taught in campaign schools as what NOT to do.

Source: Campaign and media relations terminology

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