Judge — February 20, 1909 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, February 20, 1909 This satirical cartoon depicts two rotund, caricatured figures labeled "Little Teddy" and "Little Willie" in conversation before the U.S. Capitol building. The figures appear to represent political leaders, likely Theodore Roosevelt and a European counterpart (possibly Kaiser Wilhelm II, given the "Willie" reference). The satire concerns military strength and power projection. "Teddy" boasts he can "lick [his] weight in wildcats" (defeat opponents), while "Willie" counters that he can "eat [his] weight in 'possums"—a crude comparison suggesting America's confidence versus European military capabilities. The joke plays on contemporary debates about American naval power and international standing during the Roosevelt presidency.