Life — November 17, 1904 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "After the Election: The Rival Candidates" This satirical cartoon depicts the chaotic aftermath of an election. Multiple figures—representing rival political candidates—dance and cavort wildly around a central pole bearing signs proclaiming "Honesty and Justice shall prevail." One banner references "Whose got cold feet / the bird / acted" while another shows candidates in undignified, animalistic poses. The scene suggests that once the election concludes, political rivals abandon their noble campaign promises and revert to self-serving behavior and bitter rivalry. The "honesty and justice" banner appears ironic—a hollow pledge rendered meaningless by the candidates' actual conduct. The cartoon satirizes the hypocrisy of politicians who campaign on virtue but behave corruptly once elected or defeated.