Definition

Political sabotage and dirty tricks aimed at disrupting opponents' campaigns, from spreading false rumors to creating fake scandals. The dark arts of campaign warfare, typically involving tactics that would make a Bond villain blush.

Example Usage

The investigation revealed a ratf*cking operation that included hiring protesters to disrupt rallies and planting fake news stories.

Origin

Term from the Nixon era, particularly associated with Donald Segretti's 1972 campaign activities

Fun Fact

The term was extensively documented in the Watergate hearings, where operatives detailed elaborate schemes including fake letters and forged documents

Source: Campaign opposition research and political history terminology

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Gerrymander

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red meat

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