Judge — November 12, 1887 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts American political competition as a card game. Two pairs of hands play euchre (a card game popular in 19th-century America), with playing cards showing political figures and text referencing election strategy. The caption indicates this represents Democrats competing for the presidential nomination following autumn elections. The visible card labels mention "Southern" support and "popularity with the people," suggesting the cartoon critiques how Democratic factions courted regional blocs and public opinion to advance candidacies. By equating politics to card-playing, Judge magazine satirizes the calculating, strategic nature of nomination contests—implying politicians treated voter support like game pieces to be manipulated. The specific candidates or year remain unclear from the visible text, but the metaphor mocks the transactional aspects of electoral politics.