What is a political "hot potato"?

Question

is it like some kind of a problem?

Answer 1

Its generally a topic or policy, eg immgration, social reform, or more exactly a subject which is likely to draw a lot of fire.

Its called a hot potato, as its akin to try holding one, abit like walking across hot coals, not something lightly entered into.

Answer 2

Social security is a hot potato.  There are two ways to solve the problem, cut benefits or increase the money taken out of paychecks and no politician wants to push either solution, since they would lose votes.

Answer 3

It's an issue no politician want to be identified with. Just having your name associated with the issue could cause problems.  An example is the abortion issue@

Answer 4

It's an issue politicians want to avoid because to deal with it with integrity might cost them votes.