Judge — July 16, 1904 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Democratic Blunder Ticket" (Judge, July 16, 1904) This political cartoon satirizes the Democratic Party platform through a "blunder ticket"—a mock ballot that voters are being asked to punch. The ticket lists alleged Democratic failures and scandals rather than candidates: - **Sugar Trust Deals** and **Secret Bond Deals** reference corruption charges - **Free-Trade Incompetency** and **Destruction of U.S. Industries** attack Democratic trade policy - **Shinning Responsibilities** and **Free Silver** reference past controversies - **Panama Canal** opposition and **Trust Deals** - **Nomination Mistakes** - Culminating in **"All Under One Cover": Decay of the Democratic Party, with Home Rule Blunders and Defeat at the Polls in November** The imagery of a hand preparing to punch this ballot suggests voters will inadvertently select Democratic incompetence. This was created during the 1904 election campaign, likely supporting Theodore Roosevelt's Republican candidacy against the Democratic nominee.