veepstakes
Number-two sweepstakes
Veepstakes is the informal competition among politicians vying to be selected as a presidential candidate's running mate.
The term blends VP (vice president) with sweepstakes, treating the selection process as a contest with uncertain odds: The veepstakes heats up as the convention approaches.
Political journalists use it to describe the speculation, jockeying, and media coverage surrounding potential vice presidential picks.
Leading candidate or competitor
- shortlistCulled selection for review
- vettingEvaluating suitability through investigation
- contenderOne competing seriously
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
handicapping · buzz · dark horse · finalist · speculation · trial balloon · insider · punditry
Evaluating suitability through investigation
- background checkInvestigation of someone's history
- selection committeeBody that picks candidates
- interviewFormal questioning session
- auditionTrial performance for selection
announcement · rollout · introduction · finalists · screening · due diligence · criteria · chemistry
Subscription television journalism
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
- leaksUnwanted fluid escapes
- sourcesPoints of origin
- reportingConveying documented information
scoop · anonymous · trial balloon · headline · coverage · pundits · talking heads · chyron
Electorally competitive region
- electoral collegeIntermediary voting delegation system
- fundraisingSoliciting money for organizations
- attack dogCanine trained for aggression
- surrogateOne acting for another
coalition · base · moderates · independents · women voters · battleground · messaging · contrast
frontrunner
Leading candidate or competitor
- shortlistCulled selection for review
- vettingEvaluating suitability through investigation
- contenderOne competing seriously
odds · handicapping · buzz · dark horse · finalist · speculation · trial balloon · insider · punditry · prognostication
vetting
Evaluating suitability through investigation
- background checkInvestigation of someone's history
- selection committeeBody that picks candidates
- interviewFormal questioning session
audition · announcement · rollout · introduction · finalists · screening · due diligence · criteria · chemistry · balance
cable news
Subscription television journalism
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
- leaksUnwanted fluid escapes
- sourcesPoints of origin
reporting · scoop · anonymous · trial balloon · headline · coverage · pundits · talking heads · chyron · breaking news
swing state
Electorally competitive region
- electoral collegeIntermediary voting delegation system
- fundraisingSoliciting money for organizations
- attack dogCanine trained for aggression
surrogate · coalition · base · moderates · independents · women voters · battleground · messaging · contrast · youth
veepstakespresidential primary
Intraparty nomination election
presidential nomination · local elections · gubernatorial race
stake, stakes, sweepstakes, veep, veeps, vice-president, vice-presidential