Judge — April 11, 1903 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Got It in His Vest-Pocket" **Judge Magazine, April 11, 1903** This cartoon by Grant Hamilton satirizes Democratic presidential nomination politics. The caricatured figure in the foreground—identified as "Foxy Dave" in the caption—holds nomination papers while crowds with various party faction signs rally behind him. The caption explains that when Democratic factions finish fighting, "Foxy Dave will place the nomination where it will do the most good," asking "Are you on?" The satire suggests Dave (likely a Democratic political operative) controls the nomination process through backroom dealing—keeping it literally in his vest-pocket rather than letting it emerge from legitimate party competition. The cartoon mocks the era's perception of machine politics and smoke-filled-room decision-making, where powerful insiders determined nominations regardless of grassroots support.