politicked
Worked the room
Politicked is the past tense of politick, meaning to engage in political activity or campaigning—often with a connotation of scheming or maneuvering for advantage rather than principled action.
He politicked his way into the committee chairmanship.
She spent the summer politicking in Iowa ahead of the caucuses.
Convincing through reasoning
- swayRock back and forth
- cloutInformal power or punch
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- pullForce toward oneself
pressure · authority · patronage · connections · networking · glad-handing · schmoozing · currying favor
Seek opinions systematically
- stumpTrunk base after felling
- rallyGathering for a cause
- caucusParty selection meeting
- primaryChief in importance
endorsement · platform · debate · constituency · incumbent · nominee · precinct · polling
Crafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
positioning · horse-trading · arm-twisting · quid pro quo · coalition building · dealmaking · string-pulling · jockeying
Pleading for a cause
- petitionFormal written appeal
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- interestsWhat engages or benefits
- congressionalOf a legislature
senatorial · hearing · testimony · legislation · amendment · donation · fundraising · super PAC
Negotiation between nations
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- arbitrationNon-court binding dispute resolution
bargaining · parley · talks · summit · accord · pact · treaty · concession
persuasion
Convincing through reasoning
pull · pressure · authority · patronage · connections · networking · glad-handing · schmoozing · currying favor · ingratiating
canvass
Seek opinions systematically
primary · endorsement · platform · debate · constituency · incumbent · nominee · precinct · polling · grassroots
scheming
Crafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
tactics · positioning · horse-trading · arm-twisting · quid pro quo · coalition building · dealmaking · string-pulling · jockeying · intrigue
advocacy
Pleading for a cause
- petitionFormal written appeal
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- interestsWhat engages or benefits
congressional · senatorial · hearing · testimony · legislation · amendment · donation · fundraising · super PAC · bipartisan
diplomacy
Negotiation between nations
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
arbitration · bargaining · parley · talks · summit · accord · pact · treaty · concession · détente
politickedgoverned
Administered by authority
ruled · administered · led · presided · served
politickedabstained
Voluntarily held back
withdrew · disengaged · sat out · opted out · stood aside