front-runneritis

Noun

frontrunneritis (uncountable)

1. (informal) A supposed affliction said to cause someone, especially a political candidate, to struggle as soon as they become a front runner.
   • "This is sort of the fourth generation of front-runner-itis he's suffered through," said Carney. "First it was that he was hiding in Austin and not campaigning. Then it was all he cared about was money. Then it was 'he's afraid to debate.' Now it's that he's not substantive enough. I don't know if...1999 December 9, Mark Z. Barabak, quoting David Carney, “Bush's Winning Glow Dims After Poor Debate Reviews”, in Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, Calif.: Los Angeles Times Communications, →ISSN...