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For much of the 19th century, several states held their elections in the late summer or early fall preceding the presidential election. The results were considered a good indication of the national contest in early November. For this cartoon artist Thomas Nast chose a standard sports theme to showcase the results of the first state elections in Vermont. As the cartoon correctly anticipated, that Republican victory would be repeated in other states and the presidential election. The heads on the bowling pins belong to (clockwise from the top): Raphael Semmes, Marcus Pomeroy, Wade Hampton, Horatio Seymour, Frank Blair, and Manton Marble. A stereotyped black man (an unusual depiction for Nast at this stage) stands gleefully in the background, holding an American flag. Making a rare appearance in a Nast cartoon is Grant’s vice-presidential running-mate, Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax. |
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Warning
1860
