Judge, 1928-10-13 · page 18 of 36
Judge — October 13, 1928 — page 18: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes 1920s political rhetoric about running government "like a business." The central cartoon mocks presidential candidates who claim business efficiency principles should apply to the U.S. government. The joke: An "Employment Application for Position of President" reduces the presidency to absurd job-application questions—asking about favorite dog breeds, fishing skills, and whether applicants look good in silk hats or cowboy suits. Candidates must answer yes/no about "Prohibition will be a great thing" and other trivial matters. The satire targets: - **Empty campaign rhetoric** promising business-like efficiency without substance - **Shallow candidate qualifications** based on appearance and personality rather than competence - **Public distraction** with irrelevant details while serious governance is neglected The accompanying illustrations reinforce the mockery through absurdist humor. The page suggests that treating government as a business hiring process produces incompetent, image-focused leadership rather than effective administration.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
JUDGE Meaning frmy— no disrespect to y're a couple of black- guards. The Business of Government “The government of the United States must be run like a busi- ness,” ery the rival candida “It must be efficiently ma in accordance with proven. busi- ness methods.” Such logic is in- disputable, and as the first step in the right direction, the following I submit Employment Application for Po- sition of President of the U.S. Name sees A Address nage What is your favorite dog Have you ever been President before... . Were you re-e Name your five LAVENDER WORLD LAVISH YOU CRAYON EUCHRE ALONE What is Congress. . Why is Congress . Do you look well a silk hat ; ...in a cowboy suit. with a rod and reel oe Have you any objection to resid- ing in Washington Have you ¢ “spokesman” Place “yes” or “no” (whichever is correct) after each of the fol- lowing statements: Prohibition will be a great thing This accessory to your shower gives you the same opportunity for beneficial exercise that you had in the ocean this summer. The family that brought home enough sand to use as quilts this winter. when we get it What this country needs is more parking space. . collapsible drinking cup.. we a good 15¢ bottle of mineral water... . In welcoming the Ambassador from Great Britain, which of the following is corree “Howdy, kid, how's the king?” (b) “Hang up your hat and cut yourself a shot of Scoteh. Write all verses of the “Star- Spangled Banner.” Attach photo: graph, personal references and short composition entitled: “Why I want to be President even though there is no chance for ad- vancement.” Drop your application into the box and be prepared to once if elected. —Artucr L, Lippmann non- start FEW MERRIMAC YULE GHETTO SOCONY comicbooks.com