The Origin of the Democratic Donkey
The donkey was first used to describe president Andrew Jackson during his election in 1828, where the opposing candidate and his followers labeled him a "jackass" for his stubborn personality and bold slogan, "Let the people rule." Jackson was not insulted, however, and decided to use the donkey as his campaign symbol to represent his strong will.
About forty years later, cartoonist Thomas Nast made the democratic donkey famous with his well-known newspaper cartoons depicting the Democrat party's obstinacy. The donkey symbol is still used in cartoons and campaign today to depict affability and courage.
About forty years later, cartoonist Thomas Nast made the democratic donkey famous with his well-known newspaper cartoons depicting the Democrat party's obstinacy. The donkey symbol is still used in cartoons and campaign today to depict affability and courage.