What is "pandering"

Pander \Pan"der\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pandered; p. pr. & vb. n. Pandering.] To play the pander for.

to pander to v. t. To appeal to (base emotions or less noble desires), so as to achieve one's purpose; to exploit (base emotions, such as lust, prejudice, or hate).

vb. (present participle of pander English)

Pandering may refer to:

• Pandering (politics), the expression of one's views in a manner that appeals to voters
• Procuring (prostitution), the facilitation of a prostitute

Pandering is the act of expressing one's views in accordance with the likes of a group to which one is attempting to appeal. The term is most notably associated with politics. In pandering, the views one is expressing are merely for the purpose of drawing support up to and including votes and do not necessarily reflect one's personal values.

Pandering is essentially a reaction of panic in elected officials who must either tailor their views to public opinion or risk losing their existing or potential seat.