Today is election day in America. Because I didn’t know, I figured now was the perfect time to look up why the donkey is the symbol of the Democratic political party in the minds of most Americans.
It so happens that when Andrew Jackson ran for the presidency in 1828, his campaign slogan was “Let the people rule,” which caused his opponents to label him as a “jackass” for his populist platform. Jackson was not dismayed, but instead, embraced the donkey for its tenaciousness and used it on his campaign posters. Later, during Jackson’s term in the White House, he was widely depicted as a donkey for his legendary stubbornness.
The famous political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, is actually credited with making the donkey the recognized – yet unofficial – symbol of the Democratic Party in January 1870. Nast used a donkey as a symbol for the Dems in “A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion” published in Harper’s Weekly to comment on Northern Democrats’ (nicknamed Copperheads) dealings with Edwin M. Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War.
The donkey stuck.
November 2, 2010 at 5:43 am
Well, who knew? Your blog continues to educate me. I will be thinking about it as I head off to the polls.
(Now, can you tell us why Republicans use the elephant for their symbol?) I have no idea, just too busy today to look it up. Ha-ha! Happy voting day. 🙂
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November 2, 2010 at 6:37 am
C,
Well, yes I can. 🙂 The same political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, is credited for the Republican elephant. In a cartoon that appeared in Harper’s Weekly in 1874, Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion’s skin, scaring away all the animals at the zoo. One of those animals, the elephant, was labeled “The Republican Vote.” That’s how the elephant became associated with the Republican Party.
Democrats today say the donkey is smart and brave, while Republicans say the elephant is strong and dignified.
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November 2, 2010 at 5:59 am
I did not know that. 🙂
Must. Go. Vote…………
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November 2, 2010 at 7:06 am
George and Alan are registered independents.
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November 2, 2010 at 7:37 am
Mavericks, right? 😉
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November 2, 2010 at 7:14 am
Cool information. I’ve always wondered.
I failed to vote in early voting and today must stand in line with the rest that failed to vote early. 🙂
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November 2, 2010 at 7:35 am
I never knew that. When I was a kid, I always thought that the Republicans used the Elephant as their symbol because Ronald Regan was all wrinkly…
True story, actually. 🙂
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November 2, 2010 at 7:46 am
Cathy,
You are too funny. We love ya. 😀
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November 2, 2010 at 7:42 am
Great info today! I voted early this morning so it’s a done deal in our house. Sure didn’t have much to vote on here in our area, but I always think it’s important.
DI
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November 2, 2010 at 8:08 am
Justina, were you ever a teacher? Thanks for the lesson – I love learning something new on a daily basis. Got my vote in last week – went to the library to get some books and lucked up, there was no line – in and out in abt 5 minutes…
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November 3, 2010 at 7:19 am
Nancy,
No, never a teacher… but yes, a big fan of always learning new things. 🙂
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November 2, 2010 at 9:18 am
Interesting info. I’m off to vote soon…we have a ton of stuff on our ballot today.
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November 2, 2010 at 9:31 am
Thanks for the education on that… I did always wonder. My girls tell me they are non-partisan donkeys.. hee haw!! 😀 I voted before I went into the office this morning. Lots going on here in MO.. should be interesting!
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November 2, 2010 at 8:26 pm
When they let the donkeys vote we’ll have an improved electorate.
JMHO. 🙂
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November 2, 2010 at 9:24 pm
I never knew that. Jackson = Jackass and he didn’t even get bothered by it!! LOL.
I guess your next donkey needs to be called Jackson, huh?
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November 3, 2010 at 7:19 am
Val,
Perhaps! 🙂
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November 3, 2010 at 6:37 am
I never knew that. Very interesting!
Thanks!
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