Potomac two-step
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The Potomac Two Step is a move by politicians in which they proclaim to do one thing, while doing something rather opposite.[citation needed] The purpose is to pacify the public or raise political stature among constituents. The move is often associated with congressmen making false promises.
[edit] Etymology
The term refers to actions of United States Government politicians, the acts taking place in Washington D.C., and therefore right along the Potomac River, while Two Step is a dance.
The expression has been popularized by Tom Clancy's Clear and Present Danger novel and film. Below is the quote from the film.
- The President: "You'll take the blame. Cutter and Ritter will take some too, but it won't amount to much. They'll get a slap on the wrist and $20,000 an hour on the lecture circuit. The rest, you'll dump on Greer. Yes, you'll take him down with you. You'll destroy his reputation. But it won't go any further than that. It's the ol' Potomac two-step, Jack."
- Jack Ryan: "I'm sorry, Mr. President, I don't dance."
[edit] Examples
The term was used, e.g., in the following contexts
- numerous promises to cut gasoline taxes while they quietly gradually increase them[1]
- the government creates what is advertised as strong anti illegal immigration legislation, but when the public is pacified, even available enforcement measures are ignored[2]
