Life — January 29, 1920 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Our Presidential Department" This page satirizes the process of selecting a U.S. President through nominations. A letter to Life's editor proposes that instead of professional politicians, the President should appoint his cabinet from ordinary citizens—businessmen and professionals unknown to the public who haven't had opportunity to self-promote. The lower cartoon illustrates this idea: titled "Jones Begins to Doubt the Wisdom of Having Converted His Coal Bin Into a Wine Cellar," it shows a man at a dinner table with three guests, suggesting that private domestic choices become scrutinized when one enters public life. The satire critiques both the nomination process and the loss of privacy accompanying political office.