Wedge issue

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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.

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, taxation, being "tough on crime", global warming denialism, critical race theory, and militarism.

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. It is hoped that this would cause supporters of said opponent to flip-flop to the other side, or bring in neutral voters.

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