Politics

Have you ever wondered where the symbols for the democratic and republican parties came from? The
Pachyderm and the Ass?

The most interesting of the two is the "ass", (of course) representing the democratic party. It started in 1828 when Andrew Jackson was running for president. His opponent started referring to him as "Jackass" instead of "Jackson".

Instead of being offended, Jackson used the jackass as part of his campaign. (posters etc . . .) It caught on and worked to his advantage, thus, a symbol was born.

Jacksons slogan was "Let the people rule" Not a bad slogan! However, I'm sure you've noticed by now, the party that is currently represented by the jackass, seems to favor the "unspoken slogan" - "Let the Government Rule". (Jackson would roll over in his grave)

The pachyderm (or elephant) which represents the republican party, came about in 1874. It was simply invented by a cartoonist named "Thomas Nast" and first appeared in Harper's Weekly on November 7, 1874.

Why an elephant? Truly, you got me! I don't know. (Dan scratches his head) Elephants aren't even indigenous to the United States or North America. However, we have never had a shortage of jackass`s living here.