Judge — August 23, 1902 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Bryan the Democratic Tracy" This Judge magazine cover from August 23, 1902 satirizes William Jennings Bryan, the three-time Democratic presidential candidate. The cartoon depicts Bryan as a donkey pulling a heavy cart labeled with Democratic Party baggage—likely referencing the party's internal divisions and failed electoral strategies following Bryan's losses in 1896 and 1900. The title's reference to "Tracy" appears to be wordplay, possibly alluding to Dick Tracy or another cultural figure, suggesting Bryan is being dragged along by forces beyond his control. The image shows the Democratic Party as an exhausted beast of burden, implying Bryan's leadership had become a liability rather than an asset to the party. This reflects post-election frustration with Bryan's continued prominence.