trial balloon

Definition

A policy idea deliberately leaked to media to gauge public reaction before officially proposing it. If it crashes and burns, the official can claim it was never seriously considered; if it flies, they take credit.

Example Usage

The administration floated a trial balloon about raising the retirement age, only to quickly backtrack when polling showed it was political suicide.

Origin

From actual meteorological trial balloons sent up to test wind conditions, adapted to politics in the early 20th century.

Fun Fact

Trial balloons are often leaked to friendly journalists on Friday afternoons so negative reactions can dissipate over the weekend news cycle.

Source: Political communication terminology

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