Stumping

The stump is what is left in the ground after you cut down or top a tree. According to the dictionary the word Stumping means to reduce a tree to a stump, to truncate or lop.  Stumping also refers to walking heavily, as if you have a wooden leg.  Stumping is also a term used in the sport of cricket. 

In politics, stumping is when the candidate goes on the campaign trail delivering speeches and participating in rallies.  The use of the word in politic’s came about in the 19th century, because a stump was considered a useful platform from which to deliver a speech. 

Right now there is a whole lot of stumping going on and it won’t let up until election day.  Clinton is stumping for Obama, Eastwood is stumping for Romney, Ryan is stumping in Colorado and Michelle Obama is stumping in Racine.  We are in the final leg of the race and right now it appears that the candidates are neck and neck.   

For many of us, political stumping is entertainment at it’s finest as the two candidates battle it out before the camera’s. 

Here are some quotes using the word: 

“A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation” Adlai Stevenson 

“The best time to listen to a politician is when he is on a stump on the street corner in the rain late at night when he is exhausted. Then he doesn’t lie”  Theodore White

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