retail politics

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a political strategy or campaign style of meeting and speaking directly to as many voters as possible:

   New Hampshire is a state where retail politics are decisive.

   Not every candidate is good at retail politics.

retail politics

noun

1. informal.
   functioning as plural the practice of a politician soliciting in person for votes from the public

Word History and Origins

Origin of retail politics¹

First recorded in 1900–05; in the sense of “politics in which votes are for sale”

Example Sentences

The authorities barred him from running for president in the 2018 election and largely thwarted him from engaging in the Western-style democratic retail politics he wanted to see in Russia.

From New York Times

If there was ever someone who is not suited to retail politics, it is Ron DeSantis.

From Salon

Mr. Trump in contrast had put far less effort into circuiting the state and indulging in the kind of retail politics that Iowa campaigning is known for.

From New York Times

Smoothie stop-by: Retail politics is complicated when you’re the commander in chief.

From New York Times

“Iowans take it very seriously. They really want to get to know the candidates. It’s retail politics,” said Terry Branstad, former President Trump’s ambassador to China and a multi-term governor of Iowa.

From Los Angeles Times