Life, 1922-10-26 · page 12 of 36
Life — October 26, 1922 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks a political candidate whose success relies on avoiding substantive positions. When questioned about policy—the "new Tariff," Congressional "States' Rights," and the League of Nations—he responds only with "I dunno. Dunno much about it." The humor targets candidates who win elections through charm and ambiguity rather than actual policy knowledge or commitment. His Country Cousin visitor serves as the everyman, registering surprise that evasion is an effective political strategy. The cartoon likely references 1920s American politics, when isolationism and protectionism dominated debates. The satire suggests that successful politicians deliberately avoid clear positions to appeal to disparate voters—a timeless critique of political non-answers that remains relevant today.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Mother: What do you want a nickel for? Tillie: So I can buy some candy to eat in front of that horrid girl next door an’ not give her any. ‘HE Successful Candidate leaned back in his chair and listened patiently to the glowing accounts which his Country Cousin furnished of their quondam common home in Crooked Corners. Country Cousins are not easy to listen to patiently, but the Successful Candidate felt particularly well, and at peace with the world. He had run for Alder- man, Sheriff, Mayor and Governor without suffering a defeat, and had just been elected United States Sen- ator. In 1944—if his wife lived—he expected to continue the remarkable series of victorious campaigns by being elected President. Finally, the Country Cousin’s rem- iniscences ceased. There was a long silence, broken only by the quiet, regular breathing of the Successful Candidate. The Successful Candidate “And what do you think of the new Tariff?” asked the Country Cousin suddenly. “Huh? Whatsat?” said ‘the Suc- cessful Candidate, starting up in his chair. “Oh, the Tariff. I dunno. Dunno much about it.” The Country Cousin registered surprise. Then he tried again. “What do you think of the new bill in Congress abolishing all States’ Rights?” he inquired. “Oh, that,” said the Successful Candidate. “I dunno. Dunno much about it.” Controlling his astonishment, the visitor took another tack. “Do you approve of the light wine and beer amendment which is gain- ing momentum?” he queried. The Successful Candidate smiled. “Oh, that,” he said. “Well, some seem to want it and some don’t. But I dunno. Dunno much about it.” “But it’s always an issue,” re- minded the Country Cousin. “Sure,” agreed the Successful Candidate, “has been for twenty years,” and lapsed into silence. The Country Cousin made one last stand. “What is your position on this latest League of Nations idea that has come up? Don’t you think all the delegates ought to mect in Crooked Corners this year? They met all over Europe from 1921 to 1930, you know, and of late years they’ve met in all the big cities of this country. Why not Crooked Corners—they’ve seen everything else?” “Well,” said the Successful Can- didate, “I dunno. I dunno much about that League of Nations idea.” comicbooks.com . 2 —