Judge — August 30, 1902 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Democratic attempts to use William McKinley as a scare tactic during the 1902 election cycle. The large monster labeled "PROTECTED TRUSTS" and "CRUSHED" represents corporate monopolies—a major political issue of the Progressive era. Two figures labeled as a "Farmer and Workingman" dismiss the monster threat, with one stating: "You Democrats can't scare us with that bogus monster. William McKinley told us ALL about IT!" The satire suggests McKinley's Republican administration had already addressed trust concerns so effectively that Democratic fearmongering about unchecked corporate power rang hollow. The "Good Crops" notation indicates economic prosperity under McKinley, further undercutting Democratic campaign messaging.