Judge — June 2, 1900 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, June 2, 1900 This satirical cartoon attacks **William Jennings Bryan**, the Democratic presidential candidate, by resurrecting his failed 1896 prophecy. The caricatured figure (appearing demonic or devil-like) holds a scroll quoting Bryan's prediction that McKinley's election would cause economic disaster: declining wages, foreclosed mortgages, and factory closures. The cartoon's message is clear: Bryan was proven **wrong**. By 1900, the economy had actually improved under Republican President McKinley, contradicting the "False Prophet's" dire warnings. The Capitol building in the background anchors this as political commentary. The title "LEST WE FORGET—LEST WE FORGET!" emphasizes this point as McKinley sought re-election, reminding voters of Bryan's discredited predictions to discredit his 1900 comeback bid.