stump speech

noun

1. a political campaign speech, especially one made on a campaign tour.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stump speech¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

Harris, one of the most cautious and disciplined politicians in her party, defined herself in her stump speech as someone who would be “grounded in common sense and practical outcomes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Most days as a tracker are far from glamorous — you wait for hours at a right-wing barbeque only to record the same stump speech for the hundredth time, you’re followed to your car by a Republican threatening to pour hot coffee on you, or you’re recognized and dragged away by security that’s more than happy to manhandle an obnoxious 20 something.

From Salon

“He refuses to be the kind of politician that has a polished stump speech everywhere they go,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Some of you who don’t think your vote matters… We can’t let them take us back 40, 50, 60 years,” Reverend Leach said, echoing a line often used in Harris's stump speech.

From BBC

About 15 minutes into Donald Trump’s conversation with comedian Theo Von, the chat veered into territory not usually heard in a stump speech.

From BBC