Eastern Establishment

Cultural  

1. The elite universities and financial institutions of major cities in the northeastern United States. These institutions, by virtue of their long-standing economic and social dominance, are often believed to exert an influence out of proportion to their size. In American politics, the Eastern Establishment often takes a liberal Republican stand. (See also Ivy League, Madison Avenue, power elite, and Wall Street.)

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Example Sentences

With the West Texas city at the center of the oil boom, young George functioned as a crucial link between the Eastern Establishment, the next Republican administration, and Midland’s oil-based new wealth.

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2018

Despite their privilege and power, in this story they were all outsiders taking on an Eastern Establishment.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2016

During a difficult moment in of one Rockefeller’s three failed presidential bids, a frantic aide begged him to call in the support of the so-called Eastern Establishment.

From New York Times • Oct. 24, 2014

Darman's ascendancy is all the more intriguing for his Eastern Establishment background.

From Time Magazine Archive

The habits and rituals of Auchincloss's well-bred people�moneyed Protestants in the backwaters of the Eastern Establishment �are in themselves no more ridiculous than those of other groups.

From Time Magazine Archive