Life — May 24, 1928 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Will Rogers for President: A Satirical Campaign This Life magazine page satirizes a 1928 presidential campaign joke nominating **Will Rogers**, the famous American humorist and entertainer, as an alternative candidate for "dissatisfied voters of both parties." The piece humorously argues Rogers possesses genuine qualifications: he's genuinely American, funnier than previous politicians, experienced in public service (Mayor of Beverly Hills), widely traveled, and knowledgeable about foreign affairs. The satire mocks both major parties by suggesting a comedian would be preferable to their actual nominees. The endorsement list—including Henry Ford, Babe Ruth, and Harold Lloyd—comprises genuine celebrities of the era, enhancing the joke's plausibility and satirical punch. The illustration shows Rogers lassoing what appears to be an elephant, referencing the Republican Party symbol.