a bully pulpit or petition

Theodore Roosevelt

Roosevelt

The term "bully pulpit" had nothing to do with bullying as we know the term. Back when Theodore Roosevelt was president, the term bully meant "wonderful," and Roosevelt was saying that the post of president was an "ideal" position to use for promoting an agenda. A related phrase from that era which survives to this day is "bully for you." That actually means "good for you."

Roosevelt use the bully pulpit pulpit to promote the Square Deal by using the technique in The coal strike of 1902, where he intervened in the strike to protect the interests of the workers and the public. He used Square Deal as his campaign slogan, and the framework for his entire presidency.