It clearly captures the element of expediency in this election, which turns on scheming, behind-the-scenes deal making and even random accident.

The leadership's position would be more understandable if there had been a behind-the-scenes deal.

The effort succeeded in ending many of the behind-the-scenes deals cut between airlines and major corporations but eventually led to further price cuts.

Whether it's the latest hacker controversy or rumors of behind-the-scenes deals being made, it always seems like there's something to be concerned about.

But there is no evidence that a behind-the-scenes deal has been worked out.

Big-name studio films and frenzied behind-the-scenes deal making, usually major aspects of the Cannes experience, have been low-key.

I swear the last forty years of behind-the-scenes deals, and the crosses and the double-crosses came home to roost in the next five minutes.

Several other Council members expressed a hope for that outcome but cautioned that they had no hard evidence of a behind-the-scenes deal.

It is a case about the degree to which the nation's political process has been co-opted by special-interest money and behind-the-scenes deals.

All the commentators were talking about some kind of behind-the-scenes deal.