Political suicide

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Political suicide is the concept that a politician or political party would lose widespread support and confidence from the voting public by proprosing actions that are seen as unfavourable or that might threaten the status quo. A politician that committed political suicide may be forced to resign. A political party could stand to lose followers by deviating greatly from its core values and policies. Another term for such policies are "the third rail".

Cynics may blame this concept as a reason for a lack of real change or progress in society and that actions described as political suicide are usually sound intentions shot down by reactionism and fear of change.

[edit] Examples of political suicide

Calling for the legalisation of all drugs by an active member of government is typically seen as an act of political suicide
A Home Secretary that authorized the release of a notorious serial killer might commit political suicide. Such a situation is typically seen as a 'hot potato' issue, meaning that it is easier for the person involved to refuse release (thus deferring the matter to their successor) rather than risking a public backlash.