"Let me be clear": A frequent expression of exasperation from a politician who believes he or she isn't making a fully understood argument. It's the rhetorical heir to Richard Nixon's famous "Let me make one thing perfectly clear." — From “Dog Whistles, Walk-Backs & Washington Handshakes: Decoding the Jargon, Slang, and Bluster of American Political Speech ,” by Chuck McCutcheon and David Mark. Related: HOH Word of the Week: Satire HOH Word of the Week: Obstructionism HOH Word of the Week: Clinker HOH Word of the Week: Vote HOH Word of the Week: Congressionalist HOH Word of the Week: Bold The 114th: CQ Roll Call's Guide to the New Congress Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.
