Life — July 19, 1928 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation of "The Bootleggers vs. Al Smith" This Will Rogers satire addresses the 1928 presidential campaign of Alfred E. Smith, a New York politician opposing Prohibition. Rogers mocks Tex Rickard (a famous boxing promoter) for promoting this political "fight" as entertainment. The cartoons show figures claiming they "can't see the ring" and "can't see the customers"—visual jokes about Prohibition's illegal nature and hidden commerce. Rogers criticizes both the bootleggers (who oppose Smith's anti-Prohibition stance, fearing legalization would end their profits) and those exploiting the controversy for publicity. The piece satirizes how Prohibition had become sensationalized political theater, with various interests profiting from the debate rather than seriously addressing the amendment's "moral, physical and economic welfare" impact on the nation.