Judge — October 20, 1900 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the 1900 presidential campaign. The figure labeled "Bryan" represents William Jennings Bryan, the Democratic candidate running against incumbent Republican William McKinley. The cartoon depicts Bryan as a fisherman using various "baits"—different campaign promises and populist appeals—trying to catch "suckers" (gullible voters). The fishing equipment and barrels surrounding him suggest he's employing multiple strategies to attract support. Bryan's caption—"I have tried all kinds of bait, but I don't believe suckers are biting this year"—mocks his campaign's ineffectiveness. Judge, a Republican-leaning publication, uses the metaphor to suggest Bryan's populist rhetoric and promises aren't persuading voters, implying the electorate is too wise to fall for his appeals.