Life, 1926-11-04 · page 15 of 40
Life — November 4, 1926 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This Life magazine page promotes artist and cartoonist **John Held Jr.** as a Democratic candidate for Congress from Connecticut. The satire operates on multiple levels: **The Joke**: Held is known for designing the "Odd Number" and painting "Goofy Over Hoses"—frivolous artistic pursuits. The article ironically suggests that someone so disconnected from serious matters might actually win election, mocking both Held's unsuitability and voters' judgment. **The Mock Campaign Promise**: The "Congressional Record" cartoon shows absurd changes Held would make—turning Congress into entertainment, with characters exclaiming "Hey hey!" and "Git hot!" This ridicules both Held's artistic sensibilities and the emptiness of political campaigns. The overall message: even an artist famous for silly work could get elected, a cynical commentary on democratic processes and voter discernment.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
* VOTE FOR HELD! John Held, LIFE Artist, Seeks Solon’s Seat “Snappier Covers for C’ngr’ss’n’l Record,” His Cry The Democrats in the vicinity of Westport, Connecticut, have nomi- nated John Held, Jr., artist, farmer and man, as their representative in (We're not just trying to ; they really have.) Mr. Held, when inter- viewed by a Lire reporter, intimated that the nomina- tion had come as a complete surprise to him. “*It all seems like a wonder- ful dream,” said the young genius who designed the Odd Num- ber cover, “I had thought about Congress—y I had also thought about the leper colony on Moro Island and the shower baths in the Vassar College gymnasium.” When pressed for a description of his platform, the man who painted the famous picture, “Goofy Over Horses” (see page 6), replied: “T intend to devote my attention first to the Congressional Record. Here is a magazine that needs new blood! It has struggled along for years (I forget how many) without ever get- ting « decent display on the news- stands. I'm going to put the Rec- ord over with a bang. I'll see that it publishes a gripping new serial by Arthur Somers Roche, some true confessions by internationally known writers and a limerick contest with big cash priz Yes—I'll do the covers myself,” he added modestly. “I also promise to make official Washington more collegiate,” con- tinucd the Velasquez of Fairfield County. “Just wait till I have Senator Borah wearing a Fair Isle Afuray Photo sweater, Oxford bags, and a béret!" “You know, Mr. Held,” suggested the Lire reporter, “it is just possible * that you might actually be elected.” At this thought, the Young Master swooned prettily. Vil say rt a record mo A MOTION BEFORE THE HOUSE of cover that will mts an ithe! Congressional This is the t Record if John Held is elected. comicbooks.com