[Politics Glossary]

flip-flopper

Defined
A candidate or politician who appears to waver on a particular issue.

Example
Part of the "flip-flopper" charge against Romney is "<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21049285/site/newsweek/page/0/">that the numbers-driven candidate is too cautious and committed to winning to explain what he believes in, including his church.</a>" (Newsweek, October 1, 2007)

HISTORY
In the 2004 presidential election, Bush campaign advisers painted then-presidential candidate John Kerry as a waffler on several key policy issues. In England, British politicians or candidates who change their views on an issue are said to make a "U-turn."

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