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

Manzur’s theory is that, in a state like New Hampshire, famous for the retail politics of its presidential primary, even a relatively small group of volunteers can move the needle.

From Salon

He's never been tested in a gruelling federal election campaign, with its relentless travel, high-pressure demands for retail politics and daily media scrutiny.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Smoothie stop-by: Retail politics is complicated when you’re the commander in chief.

From New York Times