Some of the Best Dem
Donkey Designs
on the web!
Although the Donkey is widely recognized and accepted as the Democratic Party's Mascot, the donkey has yet to be officially adopted by the Dems. So you ask... how did the Donkey become Associated (no pun intended) with the Democratic Party?
Well, it all started with Andrew "Stone Wall" or "Old Hickory" Jackson, way back in 1828 when Jackson ran for President of our United States. Jackson's adversaries (the National Republicans a.k.a. the whigs) attempted to paint him a "jackass" because he believed that (oh heavens forbid) that we the people should rule. You could say that his opponents tried to politically Assasinate him. Jackson sought to turn these political barbs around in his favor. He cleverly used the donkey as positive symbol in his campaign- particularly on his campaign posters. It worked! Our history books show us that "Stone Wall" eventually won the campaign battle and become our 7th President. Eventually, during Jackson's 2 terms in office, the symbol of the donkey would evolve to represent Jackson's Stubborn Nature.
Finally the political cartoonists cemented the link between the Donkey and the Democrats. By 1880, it was Thomas Nast (one of the most famous political artists/caricaturists of the time) who got the image of the donkey widespread recognition as the symbol of the Democrat Party. Many of Nast's political illustrations were featured in Harper's Weekly as well as other editorial publications. As you may have guessed, Nast was also instrumental (again associated) in helping the elephant to become a permanent fixture of the Republican Party. Funny, the pachyderm makes an interesting choice as a mascot for those Republicans types. Many think the elephant to be doltish, obstinate and arrogant. On the other hand- the Democrats made a better choice as the Donkey is respectful, intelligent, dauntless and endearing.
Dem Donkey vs. Elephant
2008 Dem Candidates
Yellow Dog Democrat
* All puns utilized above are intentional whether admitted to or not. Thanks for stopping by and please bookmark this page as we intend to add new Democrat Donkey Designs as the election gets closer.
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