Political gaffe

A political gaffe is a mistake or blunder in speech or action made by a politician that attracts media attention and public scrutiny.^[1] While often unintended, political gaffes can have significant consequences, as they may reveal the politician's personal views, highlight misunderstandings of key issues, or showcase perceived flaws in character. The concept includes different types of errors, from factual inaccuracies to statements that expose internal beliefs not intended for public consumption. Gaffes are commonly exploited by opponents and media as part of "gotcha" journalism, which often focuses on the blunder rather than substantive political issues. The rise of social media has further amplified the impact of political gaffes, enabling rapid distribution and increased scrutiny.