Catching the celestial ballot
1900
In this 1900 political cartoon by Frank Nankivell, a reverent older gentleman gazes up at a portrait of George Washington, clutching his hat as if seeking the founding father's blessing from beyond the grave. Behind him, a scheming figure in a plaid vest and top hat whispers into his ear, suggesting that political bosses were pulling the strings even when candidates claimed to be guided by patriotic ideals. Published in the famous humor magazine Puck, the artwork satirizes the election season by highlighting the gap between noble American values and the reality of political manipulation. The title 'Catching the celestial ballot' perfectly captures this attempt to secure a vote from the heavens while earthly bosses do the whispering.
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