Definitions
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- noun
Communicating political ideas such that only a small group ofvoters understands them as they are meant to be understood, usually involvingcontentious subject matter
Etymologies
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Examples
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whichbe commented on the word dog-whistle politics
A concealed, coded, or unstated idea, usually divisive or politically dangerous, nevertheless understood by the intended voters. (Double-Tongued Dictionary)
May 18, 2008
amacleod03 commented on the word dog-whistle politics
The communication of a political message intended to affirm solidarity with a particular constituency without catching the attention of other constituencies, especially those that might be offended.
In reviewing President-elect Barack Obama's past stands on education policy as an indicator of whom he would choose as Secretary of Education, columnist David Brooks used the term in its hyphenated form. “Sometimes, he flirted with the union positions. At other times, he practiced dog-whistle politics, sending out reassuring signals that only the reformers could hear.�? (Brooks, David. 2008. Who Will He Choose? New York Times, Dec 5. Accessed from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/opinion/05brooks.html
July 11, 2009
chained_bear commented on the word dog-whistle politics
See also long conversation on dog-whistle.
July 11, 2009