Definition

Political sabotage and dirty tricks aimed at disrupting opponents' campaigns, from spreading false rumors to creating fake scandals. The dark arts of campaign warfare, typically involving tactics that would make a Bond villain blush.

Example Usage

The investigation revealed a ratf*cking operation that included hiring protesters to disrupt rallies and planting fake news stories.

Origin

Term from the Nixon era, particularly associated with Donald Segretti's 1972 campaign activities

Fun Fact

The term was extensively documented in the Watergate hearings, where operatives detailed elaborate schemes including fake letters and forged documents

Source: Campaign opposition research and political history terminology

Related Terms

Advanced

Gerrymander

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means testing

Restricting government benefits to individuals below certain income or asset levels. The bureaucratic process of determining who's poor enough to deserve help, complete with forms, documentation, and indignity.

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lockdown

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whips

Party enforcers in legislative bodies who ensure members vote the party line, using tactics ranging from gentle persuasion to career-ending threats. Named after the person who keeps hunting dogs in line, which tells you everything about how politicians view their colleagues. The whip's job is to count votes, twist arms, and make sure nobody gets any funny ideas about independent thinking.

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caretaker government

A temporary administration with limited powers that manages routine business during transitions between elections or governments. The political equivalent of a house-sitter who's allowed to water plants but not redecorate.

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Mandate

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🏛️ Government / Politics

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swerved

ditched, purposefully missed...