Abstract
Political discourse is characterized by a categorical division of political parties and groups on the basis of the opposition "friend - foe", with the help of which politicians construct a political image of the world. The conceptual dichotomy "cleaness - dirt" in the political discourse serves primarily to assess the subject's behavior from a moral and ethical point of view.
Metaphors associated with the conceptual sphere DIRT have a distinct pejorative connotation. Using these metaphors, speakers evaluate the inappropriate behavior of politicians who are involved in corruption scandals, lie and spread fake news (throwing dirt), use populist rhetoric (launch a dirty campaign), etc. accusing opponents, undermining their authority and dignity), but also a strategy of self-presentation (demonstration of the "cleaness", i.e. good reputation, honesty, reliability, sincerity of the speaker himself).
In addition, the conceptual metaphor POLITICS is DIRT is a stereotype associated with the sphere of politics in general, according to which all people engaged in politics behave dishonestly, violate laws, pursue their interests, etc. (getting dirty).