Life, 1924-10-02 · page 15 of 41
Life — October 2, 1924 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes Joseph J. Blah, a Vice-Presidential candidate who expressed eight points of platform, including beliefs in economy, doubling farmers' income, reducing prices, and genteel warfare. The satire mocks his vague, contradictory platitudes—promising everything to everyone without substance. The cartoon below depicts a domestic scene where a mother and child discuss a picture of "Mr. Rat with a hat and a bat." The child questions why such an absurd image would be published, and the mother cynically responds that it's designed "to attract the public"—a meta-commentary suggesting that Blah's equally nonsensical campaign platform succeeds through spectacle rather than meaningful policy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LUFE - The Safe and Sane Candidate OSEPH J. BLAH, candidate for Vice-President, expressed surprise 1 being informed of his nomination, which occurred three months ago. “There has been so much static in he air recently,” he said, “that my dio did not carry the convention wises beyond the two hundred and tenth ballot. Besides, the man who calls ny attention to the newspapers has been way on his vacation.” On being told that a speech of ac- ceptance was in order, Mr. Blah was it first thrown into great confusion; but recovering himself quickly, he drew « bulky manuscript from his pocket he said, “I have just ail the latest lesson from Orator Correspondence peeches for All Occasions. This speech, prepared for the Ac- ceptance of a Loving Cup by the Presi- dent of an Undertakers’ Local, just fitted for the present momen Continuing, he said in part: creed can be summed up in cight main points. “First, I believe in the multiplication table. “Second, I believe in the Ten Com- mandments, with such modifications as are appropriate to the present age. “Third, I believe in post offices, Jane (with First Reader): MOTHER, canals, ports and pensions, and free seeds for everybody. “Fourth, I believe in economy, “Fifth, I believe that the should have his income doubled. “Sixth, [I believe that the great buy- ing public should have prices reduced by half. “Seventh, I do not believe in ag- gressive wars. Wars should be gentle- manly and peaceable. In killing, atrocities must, of course, be avoided and repaid with interest. “Eighth, I believe in the right of the people to assemble in any sort of meet- ing that favors my cause, to enjoy free speech if not detrimental to my inter- ests, and to act, vote, work and pursue happiness, provided I get my proper share of the rake-off.” Men of Mr. Blah’s party expressed great satisfaction with his speech. “A safe and sane candidate,” was the verdict. Six publicity men are busy culling epigrams from the speech. W. L. Werner. farmer A QUICK-LUNCH is a place where you save your money and your appetite; a tea-room is a place where you lose your money and keep your appetite. lose MEN WHO HAVE MADE CHICAGO John Gacin Erp, of New York City, who origi- nated the report that Chicago is the most lawless city in the country and thereby caused a great movement of population from the Eastern to the Mid-Western metropolis. October Occasions RIVING seventy-five miles in the rain to shoot rabbits with an un- congenial companion because you were careless cnough to say in his presence that you liked hunting. Going to the games box for the season, Intending to be a good citi- zen and attend political meet- ings, but finding last-minute excuses for staying at home. Wondering about the mys- terious change that has taken place in those perfectly good football took a preliminary because you suits you were going to wear again this season. Realizing there is only one thing to do about it. Doing: it. McC. H. Kinship OMPOUS PARTY: I never give moncy to beg- gars. PaNnuanpter: Aw, have a heart, mister. Us Nordics have got to stick together. MR. RAT IS THIS PICTURE TRUE OF WITH A HAT AND A BAT? Mother: No, DEAR, 1 SUPPOSE IT COULDN'T BE TRUE. Jane: THEY JUST PUT THAT IN TO ATTRACT THE PUBLIC. DIDN’T THEY? HE successful novelist is the one who knows what everybody really thinks and keeps it out of his books. comicbooks.com