whistle - n. a small device that makes a very high and loud sound when a person blows air through it. In this case, the authors are referring to words some politicians use to appeal to voters’ emotions
handshake - n. the act of grasping someone's right hand with your right hand and moving it up and down
confusing - adj. difficult to understand
regulate - v. to make rules or laws that control something
shoulder - n. the part of your body where your arm is connected