Nast, Thomas: Politics as usual
This is probably my favorite political image: Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast’s take on New York’s William “Boss” Tweed – with money head. Tweed was played by Jim Broadbent in the movie.
Thomas Nast (1840-1902) holds the title of ‘father of the American cartoon’ and along the way ended up turning both donkey and elephant into American political icons.
Prior to Nast’s involvement, ‘It all started with an insult. During Andrew Jackson’s 1828 presidential campaign, his political opponents labeled him a ‘jackass.’ Stubborn as he was, Jackson co-opted the insult and began putting a donkey on his election posters.’ [Read more →]
