retail politics

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a political strategy or campaign style of meeting and speaking directly to as many voters as possible.

   New Hampshire is a state where retail politics are decisive.

   Not every candidate is good at retail politics.

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retail politics British  

noun

1. informal (functioning as plural) the practice of a politician soliciting in person for votes from the public

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Etymology

Origin of retail politics

First recorded in 1900–05; in the sense of “politics in which votes are for sale”

Example Sentences

His schedule underlines that he also needs to be a quick study in a new skill - retail politics.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2025

Dispiriting, because all of the disappointments and ugly compromises of retail politics are in full view.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2024

The model for how retail politics can shape a presidential campaign was Rick Santorum’s 2012 run for the Republican nomination.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2024

With him at his side, DeSantis said that New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu was right in saying that retail politics are about "being able to answer questions."

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2023

“I think he understands — I emphasized that Iowa’s a retail politics state. You need to shake people’s hands, look them in the eye.”

From New York Times • May 13, 2023