Definition

A supporter who campaigns on behalf of a candidate, delivering messages and attacking opponents while the candidate maintains deniability. Democracy's proxy warrior.

Example Usage

The campaign deployed high-profile surrogates to swing states while the candidate focused on fundraising in California and New York.

Origin

From Latin 'surrogatus' (substitute), adopted into campaign strategy terminology in the late 20th century

Fun Fact

Surrogates are particularly valuable for delivering attacks that would seem unpresidential or petty coming directly from the candidate.

Source: Campaign strategy terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

impound

The legal power to seize and hold property, funds, or vehicles, usually exercised by governments or their agents when someone hasn't paid their dues—literally. It's the official version of 'we're keeping this until you sort your life out,' whether that's your illegally parked car or appropriated federal funds. The bureaucratic timeout corner for inanimate objects.

🏛️ Government / Politics
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suspension of the rules

A House procedure for considering non-controversial bills with limited debate and no amendments, requiring two-thirds approval but bypassing normal parliamentary obstacles. It's the express checkout lane of legislation.

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sunset clause

A provision causing legislation to automatically expire after a set period unless renewed, forcing future lawmakers to actively continue the policy. It's the political equivalent of a subscription service that makes you reconfirm annually.

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enacted

The official moment when a bill graduates from being a proposed idea into actual law that people can be arrested for violating. After surviving committee reviews, floor debates, amendments, and votes in multiple chambers, a bill finally gets enacted when the executive signs it or a veto gets overridden. It's democracy's version of 'it's not official until it's on Facebook,' except with more parliamentary procedure.

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kitchen cabinet

A politician's informal group of trusted advisors who aren't part of the official cabinet or staff, meeting privately to provide unfiltered counsel. It's the real decision-makers minus the official titles and public scrutiny.

🏛️ Government / Politics
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consent calendar

A schedule of non-controversial bills that can be quickly passed without debate, typically by unanimous consent or voice vote. The legislative express lane for matters too boring to argue about.

🏛️ Government / Politics

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See “surrogate” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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