Judge — January 12, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "His Own Boss" (Judge, January 12, 1889) This cartoon satirizes Republican leadership struggles during the early Harrison administration. The caption's dialogue—Republican leaders asking "Which one of us do you want to drive the elephant?" with Harrison responding "I'll do all the driving myself"—depicts tension over who controls the party. The elephant represents the Republican Party. Multiple caricatured figures (likely prominent Republicans) crowd atop it, suggesting internal power struggles and competing interests within the GOP leadership. Harrison's assertion that he'll "do all the driving" indicates his determination to lead independently rather than be controlled by party bosses or factions. The satire targets Republican infighting and questions Harrison's ability to manage competing party interests effectively during his presidency.