kingmaking
/ˈkɪŋˌmeɪkɪŋ/
Definition
The act of influential individuals or political elites exerting their power to hand-pick and elevate a candidate, rather than allowing that person to rise through grassroots support.
Etymology
Derived from the English 'king' and 'making,' the term historically referred to individuals like the Earl of Warwick during the Wars of the Roses who possessed enough power to decide who would hold the throne. It transitioned into political jargon to describe the influence of power brokers in selecting party candidates.
In the news
The article uses the term to contrast the controlled, top-down strategy of D.C. party leaders with the unpredictable, crowdsourced approach of online donors. It suggests that while such party-led candidate selection is often criticized, it might be more effective at vetting candidates than the current trend of viral internet sensations.
Democrats Keep Falling for Political Fantasies. When Will They Learn?
Read the full article ↗Politico