wedge issue
noun
: a political issue that divides a candidate's supporters or the members of a party
Examples of wedge issue in a Sentence
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What happens in our country is no longer just a foreign-policy file, but a live domestic wedge issue in MAGA-world.
—
Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
Trump hinted in March that Republicans may again scapegoat trans people — and particularly trans-inclusive sports — as a wedge issue in the 2026 midterm elections.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 21 May 2025
Trump has long used immigration as a wedge issue to animate conservatives and other voters who find appeal in his tough-enforcement approach, and some moderate Democrats have warned colleagues to steer clear of the topic for fear of a voter backlash.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 12 May 2025
At the same time, Wisconsin also overwhelmingly approved of codifying voter ID requirements, which suggests that may not be the wedge issue Dems hope.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
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Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
Trump hinted in March that Republicans may again scapegoat trans people — and particularly trans-inclusive sports — as a wedge issue in the 2026 midterm elections.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 21 May 2025
Trump has long used immigration as a wedge issue to animate conservatives and other voters who find appeal in his tough-enforcement approach, and some moderate Democrats have warned colleagues to steer clear of the topic for fear of a voter backlash.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 12 May 2025
At the same time, Wisconsin also overwhelmingly approved of codifying voter ID requirements, which suggests that may not be the wedge issue Dems hope.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wedge issue
Cite this Entry
“Wedge issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wedge%20issue. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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