retail politics

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.

retail politics

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of retail politics¹

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

Example Sentences

He made known his disdain for the demands of retail politics as he returned to the more private life of a writer and novelist.

From The Daily Beast

Yet for all the hullabaloo about outside groups, the race may simply come down to old-fashioned retail politics.

From The Daily Beast

We spent a lot of time on retail politics and fought for every one of those votes.

From The Daily Beast

The only thing that comes close is The Simpsons on retail politics: “Abortions for some, miniature American flags for others”.

From The Daily Beast

Nonetheless, Iowa is where the action is right now, the front line of retail politics.

From The Daily Beast