To go on the stump , ∨ To take the stump Meaning, Definition & Usage

Definitions
  1. to engage in making public addresses for electioneering purposes; a phrase derived from the practice of using a stump for a speaker's platform in newly-settled districts. Hence also the phrases stump orator, stump speaker, stump speech, stump oratory, etc. Colloq. U.S.

Webster 1913