It implies that a politician or political party is abandoning attempts at compromise or civility and is prepared to engage in more direct and potentially harmful tactics. This can include:
* Launching personal attacks: This could involve criticizing an opponent's character, past actions, or personal life, instead of focusing on policy differences.
* Using strong rhetoric: This could include using inflammatory language, making exaggerated claims, or employing emotional appeals to rally supporters.
* Employing negative campaigning: This involves emphasizing an opponent's weaknesses, highlighting their mistakes, and engaging in mudslinging.
* Taking more extreme positions: This could involve moving away from the center and adopting more polarizing or radical stances.
The term "gloves come off" suggests a willingness to fight dirty and abandon any pretense of decorum in pursuit of victory.
Here are some examples of how the phrase is used in politics:
* "The gloves are off in this election, as both candidates resort to personal attacks and smear campaigns."
* "The debate became heated as the gloves came off and the two politicians clashed over their different visions for the country."
* "With the primaries behind them, the party's focus has shifted to the general election, and the gloves are off in the fight for the presidency."
It's important to note that "gloves come off" is a subjective term, and its meaning can vary depending on the context. It can also be used cynically by politicians to justify their own aggressive tactics.