mugwumps

They were hateful alike to the Bosses who controlled the Republican or Democratic organization; and Charles A. Dana, of the New York Sun, who took care never to be "on the side of the angels," derisively dubbed them "mugwumps" -- a title which may carry an honorable meaning to posterity.

Theodore Roosevelt An Intimate Biography Thayer, William R 1919

The three men shared a contempt for machine politics and mushy reformers (called "mugwumps" or "goo-goos").

Book Excerpt: ‘The War Lovers’ by Evan Thomas 2010

Read the whole thing for my take on the Lieberman situation, in more detail (you've got to at least admire my appropriate use of "mugwumps" there, if naught else).

Chris Weigant: Friday Talking Points [105] -- One Bad Week 2009

I am glad I am not at home; I get so angry with the "mugwumps," and get to have such scorn and contempt for them, that I know I would soon be betrayed into taking some step against them, much more decided than I really ought to take.

Roosevelt in the Bad Lands Hermann Hagedorn 1923

He nicknamed them "mugwumps" and continued to vote the regular tickets of his party.

The Promise of American Life Herbert David Croly 1899

But these Irish "mugwumps" seem to me to earn their title by simply refusing to believe that two and two, which make four in France or China, can be bullied into making five in Ireland.

Ireland Under Coercion (2nd ed.) (2 of 2) (1888) William Henry Hurlbert 1861

For the "mugwumps" of my own country I have no particular admiration, being rather inclined, with my friend Senator Conkling (now gone to his rest from the racket of American politics), to regard them as "Madonnas who wish it to be distinctly understood that they might have been Magdalens."

Ireland Under Coercion (2nd ed.) (2 of 2) (1888) William Henry Hurlbert 1861

If they attempt “clarification”, as Anderson is doing, they come across as jesuitical word-parers or philosophical mugwumps.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Benjamin Wittes Comments on His AQ7 Letter at The New Republic 2010

If they attempt “clarification”, as Anderson is doing, they come across as jesuitical word-parers or philosophical mugwumps.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Benjamin Wittes Comments on His AQ7 Letter at The New Republic 2010

If they attempt “clarification”, as Anderson is doing, they come across as jesuitical word-parers or philosophical mugwumps.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Benjamin Wittes Comments on His AQ7 Letter at The New Republic 2010