Puck — February 5, 1879 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Both of 'Em!" - Puck Magazine Satire This 1879 cartoon satirizes the Democratic and Republican parties as identical donkeys wearing different masks labeled "Brady" (likely referring to a contemporary political figure). The satire suggests both parties are hypocritical, engaging in underhanded political tactics like using ciphered telegrams and appealing to voters through deception rather than principle. The text criticizes both parties for their opportunism: Democrats and Republicans are portrayed as equally corrupt, using the same manipulative strategies despite their opposing rhetoric. Puck's point appears to be that voters choosing between the parties face no meaningful choice—both employ equally questionable methods to gain power. This reflects 1879 political disillusionment with party politics generally.