A dual ticket in which the running mate is believed to be more impressive than the principal candidate. This relationship is analogous to a kangaroo’s legs: its hindquarters are more powerful than its front legs.
The term may have been coined during the 1932 presidential election between Franklin D. Roosevelt (D) and Herbert Hoover (R). Many Democrats of the day considered Roosevelt to be a weak nomination. When John Nance Garner (Speaker of the House) was picked as Roosevelt’s running make, one Democrat complained, “It’s a kangaroo ticket: stronger in the hindquarters than in the front.”
more info: Salon: A history of American political slurs
On video… Kangaroo Ticket – just for laughs
In a left comment… Doug says:
Romney runs the risk of a Kangaroo ticket with a Rubio pick. While I agree with you on his naked ambition, I think Rubio has some real political skill. Far more than Mitt. (4/17/12)
the ARGOTIST 