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 The National Party Conventions

 


 “They’re Off—And Going Some”
  Cartoonist:  Edward Windsor Kemble
  Source:  Harper's Weekly
  Date:   June 27, 1908, pp. 18-19

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Complete HarpWeek Explanation:
The return of economic good times after the Panic of 1907 provides the context for this optimistic view of Republican presidential nominee William Howard Taft’s chance for election in November 1908. The GOP parade is led by a well-fed Uncle Sam beating the drum of “Prosperity,” followed by Taft smiling atop a trumpeting, racing elephant. Striding behind the party pachyderm is a group of enthusiastic supporters, including (right-left): a businessman carrying the American flag, a laborer holding aloft “The Full Dinner Pail,” a farmer hoisting a banner reading “Prosperity Our Trade Mark,” and a black man. In the foreground, flower bouquets have been thrown along the parade route, and the Democratic dog of “Hard Times” has been toppled. In the background, billowing factories reinforce the theme of economic prosperity, while celebratory fireworks explode and President Theodore Roosevelt beams as the moon surveying the scene.

 

 

 

 
 

 

     
 

 

 
     
 

 

 
     
 

 

 

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