wedge issue

wedge issue
A discussion point or a difference in points of view which is particularly likely to be controversial and a source of discord between discussants or other involved parties; a difference in viewpoints which causes disharmony within a political or social group.

"Its sick," he gripes. "Everybody is tired of someone getting a job because of color." Republicans are exploiting such frustration. . . .. Says Kathy Spillar, national coordinator for the Feminist Majority: "The GOP wants to use it as a racial wedge issue."

See Also: wedge politics

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  • wedge issue — wedge′ is sue n. cvb an issue that divides or causes conflict in an otherwise unified group: Abortion is a wedge issue for the Republican party[/ex] • Etymology: 1990–95 …   From formal English to slang

  • Wedge issue — A wedge issue is a social or political issue, often of a divisive or otherwise controversial nature, which splits apart or creates a wedge in the support base of one political group. Wedge issues can be advertised, publicly aired, and otherwise… …   Wikipedia

  • wedge issue — an issue that divides or causes conflict in an otherwise unified group: Abortion is a wedge issue for the Republican party. [1990 95] * * * noun, pl ⋯ sues [count] US : an issue about which a politician s supporters or the members of a political… …   Useful english dictionary

  • wedge issue — noun Date: 1986 a political issue that divides a candidate s supporters or the members of a party < a wedge issue dividing the traditional Democratic constituencies W. M. Adler > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • wedge issue — an issue that divides or causes conflict in an otherwise unified group: Abortion is a wedge issue for the Republican party. [1990 95] * * * …   Universalium

  • wedge issue — /wɛdʒ ˈɪʃu/ (say wej ishooh) noun Politics an issue that is used in wedge politics …  

  • wedge — (n.) O.E. wecg a wedge, from P.Gmc. *wagjaz (Cf. O.N. veggr, M.Du. wegge, Du. wig, O.H.G. weggi wedge, Ger. Weck wedge shaped bread roll ), of unknown origin. The verb is recorded from mid 15c. Wedge issue is attested from 1999 …   Etymology dictionary

  • Wedge — The term wedge can refer to any of the following things:Physical Objects: * Wedge (mechanical device), a simple machine used to separate two objects, or portions of objects, through the application of force * Wedge (golf), a specialized type of… …   Wikipedia

  • wedge politics — noun A strategy or pattern of behavior by a politician, political party, or advocacy group which is intended to have a divisive effect on ones political opponents or on the electorate, especially by emphasizing an issue which polarizes opinion… …   Wiktionary

  • wedge politics — (USA) In wedge politics, one party uses an issue that they hope will divide members of a different party to create conflict and weaken it …   The small dictionary of idiomes

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