Judge — June 20, 1903 — page 1: what you’re looking at

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# Political Cartoon Analysis: "He Sees Only Himself" This June 1903 *Judge* cartoon satirizes Diogenes Cleveland's search for an honest Democratic Party leader. The central figure, a caricatured man holding a mirror and lantern (referencing the famous Greek philosopher Diogenes who searched for an honest man), represents Cleveland's futile quest. The satire suggests that Cleveland—likely former President Grover Cleveland—cannot find a suitable Democratic candidate because he only sees himself reflected back. The joke critiques Cleveland's narcissism or political inflexibility: he's unwilling to accept anyone but himself as party leader, making his search inherently pointless. The classical architectural setting in the background reinforces the Diogenes allusion, emphasizing the timeless nature of seeking integrity in politics.