The Wasp — February 14, 1880 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Ominous Sign" This political cartoon depicts a bearded man in a boat approaching the White House, labeled an "Ominous Sign." The accompanying text references Grant capturing Pennsylvania's delegation at a national convention, with Blaine reportedly discouraged about securing that delegation beforehand. The cartoon appears to satirize the 1880 Republican presidential race between Ulysses S. Grant and James G. Blaine. The boatman approaching Washington represents Grant's growing political momentum and threat to Blaine's nomination hopes. The "ominous" nature suggests the cartoonist views Grant's resurgence as a dangerous development for Blaine's candidacy. The White House in the background emphasizes the stakes of presidential politics at play.