bully pulpit

American  

[bool-ee pool-pit, puhl-pit] / ˈbʊl i ˈpʊl pɪt, ˈpʌl pɪt /

noun

1. a position of authority or public visibility, especially a political office, from which one may express one's views.

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Etymology

Origin of bully pulpit

First recorded in 1905–10; from a remark made by President Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the U.S. 1901–09, in reference to the White House, “I suppose my critics will call that preaching, but I have got such a bully pulpit!”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bully pulpit

If Warsh goes quiet while his colleagues continue to give economic-outlook speeches, a kind of unilateral disarmament could take hold where the chair forfeits the bully pulpit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026

Unlike governor, these positions typically have very specific duties, and with the exception of attorney general, rarely come with a bully pulpit.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026

They can make major unilateral decisions — such as welcoming federal troops into California cities — and command a bully pulpit to drive public opinion and policy, including through statewide ballot measures.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026

Roosevelt’s challenge to Wall Street, he writes, “was largely a bully pulpit affair, with rhetoric exceeding action.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 29, 2025

Who’d have a stronger bully pulpit, Gov. Hochul or a Mayor Mamdani?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2025