opposition research

Definition

Systematic digging for damaging information about political opponents, ranging from policy inconsistencies to personal scandals. Professional dirt-digging dressed up with the word 'research' to sound respectable.

Example Usage

The campaign's opposition research team unearthed voting records showing the incumbent had flip-flopped on every major issue.

Origin

Formalized as a campaign practice in American politics in the mid-20th century, though politicians have always dug up dirt on opponents.

Fun Fact

Modern opposition research involves tracking opponents' every public statement, sometimes assigning 'trackers' to record everything said on the campaign trail for potential gotcha moments.

Source: Campaign management terminology

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