bully pulpit 

Teddy Roosevelt used the term "bully" as an adjective to mean "wonderful" or "superb", and coined the term "bully pulpit" to mean a terrific platform from which to advocate an agenda.

An alternate definition of "bully" as a noun means someone who harasses or intimidates. The modern definition of "bully pulpit" reflects the misuse of the church pulpit by unenlightened preachers to bully followers into submitting to their twisted views.

I used to enjoy going to church until the preacher started using the bully pulpit to rail against homosexuals. This is not the message of Jesus! I have plenty of gay friends who are the kindest, most generous people you could know. I don't attend church anymore.

bully pulpit by tnunnster May 2, 2010

bullypulpit 

A bully pulpit is a public office of sufficiently high rank that provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to on any matter. The bully pulpit can bring issues to the fore that were not initially in debate, due to the office's stature and publicity.

This term was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, who referred to the American presidency as a "bully pulpit," by which he meant a terrific platform from which persuasively to advocate an agenda. Roosevelt often used the word bully as an adjective meaning "superb" or "wonderful" (a more common expression in his time than it is today). A pulpit is the elevated platform used by a preacher. The term has no relationship to the word bully in the sense of a "harasser".

The advocating of adding an amendment to the U.S. Constitution regarding Homosexual Marriage, was a classic use of the bullypulpit by the Bush 43 administration. Gay marriage was made a top priority on the U.S. political agenda by the executive branches jawboning. This otherwise insignificant issue was brought to the forefront of American politics in order to divert the populace’s attention from the flawed effort in Iraq during campaigning, because of the President’s high influence and inherited persuasive powers.

bullypulpit by Jon Kaloust August 8, 2007