Life — August 30, 1928 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Will Rogers' "The Bunkless Candidate Exposes the Bunk" This satirical piece by Will Rogers critiques the 1928 presidential election, likely referencing Herbert Hoover (Republican) and Al Smith (Democrat). Rogers mocks both major parties for nominating candidates they secretly opposed—farmers don't want Hoover but will vote for him; Democrats dislike Smith but will support him anyway. The cartoon's central joke: both candidates are weak compromises chosen through party politics rather than merit. Rogers sarcastically notes that "half of each Party is not crazy about their Candidate" yet voters remain trapped in binary choices. The accompanying cartoons mock candidates who reject contributions ("sex appeal") and dismiss bribery concerns (money and chewing gum), exposing the hypocrisy between stated ideals and political reality.