on the stump

on the stump

Campaigning in an effort to garner votes and political support. Primarily heard in US. While on the stump in West Virginia, the candidate made several confusing remarks about her position on immigration reform.

See also: on, stump

on the stump

COMMON If a politician is on the stump, he or she is travelling to different places and speaking to voters as part of their election campaign. Tariq Ali, Tony Benn and others are on the stump all over the country, speaking to loyal audiences. Despite his falling popularity, the president braved it on the stump today on behalf of his fellow Republicans. Note: This expression comes from politicians using tree stumps as platforms when giving a speech in the open air.

See also: on, stump

on the stump

going about the country making political speeches or canvassing. chiefly North American

In rural America in the late 18th century, the stump of a felled tree was often used as an impromptu platform for someone making a speech.

See also: on, stump