Wedge issue

Wedge issues in politics are generally issues on which people have strong opinions that can be "owned" as part of a political base. In modern-day America, most of these are social issues with religious overtones, such as abortion and homosexuality. Other favorites include gun control, being "tough on crime", and militarism.

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Not to be confused with the Wedge Strategy, which itself may be a wedge issue, or with the out-of-place artifact known as the Wedge of Aiud.

They are phrased or argued so that the opposing viewpoint, if there is one, can be easily labeled in a derogatory manner, thus creating a false dilemma. Resulting examples would include being "soft on crime," "weakening America" (or "emboldening our enemies"), "against family values," "coming to take your guns away," etc.

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