Judge — October 2, 1886 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon satirizes a Tennessee political campaign involving two figures nicknamed "Alf" and "Bob" engaged in what's labeled a "Double Flirtation." The image depicts competing candidates courting voters—likely showing two politicians making contradictory promises or appeals to win support in Tennessee. The "double flirtation" concept suggests both candidates are simultaneously wooing the same constituency with insincere or opportunistic gestures. The caricatured figures and their exaggerated interactions mock the performative nature of political campaigning, where candidates adjust their messages to appeal to different groups. Without identifying specific historical figures, the cartoon criticizes campaign dishonesty and the theatrical competition between candidates more interested in winning than consistent principles.