1904

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In 1904 the Democrats countered the Republican nomination of Theodore Roosevelt with the nomination of Judge Alton B. Parker, whose image was that of a stabilizing influence, in contrast to that of the eccentricities of "Teddy." Some cartoonists did see it this way; they felt that the "big stick" endangered the "full dinner pail," and compared Parker to the Roman, Cincinnatus, called from the field to the aid of his country (30A-1067042, 30B-1067043). This cartoon conveys this same image of stability; Uncle Sam selects the more sedate Parker to "run his machine." (30C-1067044)

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Others viewed Roosevelt as progressive rather than unpredictable and Parker as overly cautious and conservative rather than sedate and saw no reason to change drivers, or, as in this cartoon, captains (30D-1067045). 

A long-standing tradition in campaigning is the focus of this cartoon (30E-1067046). Generally, the candidates did not actively campaign but let others make their speeches.^*This suited Parker's dignified image but made Roosevelt uncomfortable.

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One of the most famous cartoons of this campaign is by Homer Davenport. Uncle Sam is saying, "After all is said and done, he's still Good Enough For Me." (30F-1067047)Another cartoon parodied this picture using the familiar Rough Rider caricature of Roosevelt (30G-1067048). This was a popular theme, used here to criticize Roosevelt's militaristic position (30H-1067049). Roosevelt's progressive image prevailed over his eccentric image, and he was elected.

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^*William Jennings Bryan was an earlier exception to this tradition.