Judge — July 7, 1888 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: Judge, July 7, 1888 This cartoon depicts **Benjamin Harrison** (identified in the caption and portrait medallion), shown as a soldier/statesman figure. The allegorical female figures surrounding him—appearing to represent concepts like Protection and Protectionism—present him as "the man" whose hour has come, suggesting his emergence as a political force. The caption references Harrison as a "Soldier, Statesman and Protectionist, and an opponent of a Free Trade Copper-Head Ticket," indicating this was created during the 1888 presidential campaign. The imagery celebrates Harrison's candidacy, particularly emphasizing his protectionist economic position versus free-trade advocates ("Copper-Heads," a Civil War-era derogatory term). The satirical tone appears supportive of Harrison's protectionist stance.