Judge — February 19, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The President's Valentine" This *Judge* magazine cover from February 19, 1898, presents a political cartoon titled "The President's Valentine." A bald man in formal dress reclines while holding up a large portrait of a bearded face labeled "READ, REED" with text reading: "Oh, don't say you've read Tom Reed in every line; / For when you think or when you read, / Reed is your valentine." The cartoon appears to satirize President McKinley's relationship with Thomas Brackett Reed, likely the House Speaker, suggesting McKinley is devoted to or dependent upon Reed's influence. The Valentine's Day framing creates mockery around this political entanglement, implying McKinley cannot escape Reed's presence even in his personal sentiments. The surrounding classical female figures suggest themes of ideal leadership being compromised by factional loyalty.