Life, 1928-08-16 · page 16 of 48
Life — August 16, 1928 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks the formal political tradition of the "notification party," where a presidential candidate is officially informed of their nomination. The cartoon depicts Governor Smith being surprised by a massive crowd gathering outside his home to "notify" him he's the Democratic Party's presidential standard-bearer. The humor centers on the artificiality of the ritual—Smith pretends ignorance of his own nomination until formally told, treating it as genuine news rather than the orchestrated ceremony it actually was. Senator Pittman attempts to control the notification speech, but the crowd's enthusiasm overwhelms the proceedings. The satire critiques how political parties stage-manage supposedly spontaneous democratic moments, revealing the gap between theatrical political tradition and reality. The "Companionate Snapshot" below provides comic relief through domestic humor.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ingn bali S| rn Crry Crip: What's that a statue of, Mamma? Motner: That's a great general, dear. City Cup: Yes, I know. But what's that thing he is sitting on? The Notification Party Scene: The living room in the Gov- ernor’s mansion at Albany. Governor Smith and Mrs. Smith are spending a quiet evening with the radio. Mrs. Sait: Al, I thought I heard some- body at the door. Gov. Smit: Just your imagination, my dear, Mrs. Satu: Well, I'm going to open the door and look out, anyway..... ALT think I see a crowd in the front yard! Gov. SmitH: A big crowd? Mrs. Siti: Not so terribly big. Only a hundred thousand or so, I guess. Gov. Smit (sighing and putting on collar and tie): V'll be there in a minute. Mrs. Smitu: Hurry, Al! They're com- ing up the steps now! Gov. Smut: I guess I look all right.. ... Good evening, boys! Tue Crown: Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Hoorsy! Whoopee! Sen. Key Pitman: Listen, now, you fellas: don’t anybody say a word about... You know! Not a word, now, until I give the sign! Gov. Smit: Good evening, Senator. What is this, my birthday? Sen. Pittman: Not that I know of, Governor. We are gathered here this eve- ning to.... Voice Far Out tn tHE Crown: Hooray for the next... . Sex, Pittman: Stop him before he spoils everything! Governor, a month or so ago the host of Democracy met in Houston, in the sovereign state of Texas. Gov. SmitH: No! Is that a fact? Sen. Pittman: No fooling, Governor. And on the very first ballot they... . Awnotuer Voice: Three cheers for... . Sen. Prrrman: Stop him!....Gov- ernor, the Democratic party has nom- inated you as its standard bearer! Gov. Smrti (quite pleased): You mean I'm to carry the flag at the convention? Sen. Pitrman: I mean, Governor Smith, that you are the party’s choice for President! Gov. SmitH (puzzled): President of what? Sen. Pittman: The United States of America! Mrs. Sait: Well, of all things! Gov. Smit: Are you kidding me, Senator? Sen. Pitrman: Absolutely not! And that is the surprise we have for you! Tue Crown: Hooray!.... Whoopee! ++++Three cheers for Al! Gov. SmitH: Boys, this is the surprise of my life! Why, I never dreamed. .... I had no idea you were even consid.... Boys, this simply takes my breath away! ....And you've kept it from me until to- night!,... Well, well, welll... .All I can say, boys, is that it’s a pretty good job, but before I say definitely one way or the other, would you mind if I took a few days to think it over? Chet Johnson, COMPANIONATE SNAPSHOT Teacuer (calling to children in play- ground): Johnny Jones, Nellie Brown, Walter Shoemaker, your mother has just telephoned for you to come home and meet your new papa. Any Hr yebaow Sue: He tried to kiss me last night, but he certainly didn't do it. Sue: How did he happen to change his mind? comicbooks.com