Running for Office
The Results Are In!
In the following cartoons, Clifford Berryman captures the impact of election results on both the winners and the losers of an election.
Democratic New YearÂ’s Eve Cheer December 31, 1931 In the 1930 congressional elections Republicans retained a slim majority in both houses of Congress. When the new Congress convened in December 1931, however, a number of deaths and departures left vacancies in seats held by Republicans. Results from special elections held to fill these seats shifted control of the House of Representatives to the Democrats. The Democratic donkey, cheered by his partyÂ’s new power, consoles the defeated Republican elephant as the old year sets over the horizon.
The Post-Season Parade March 5, 1915 This cartoon highlights the biennial departure of lame duck members of Congress––those who are departing Capitol Hill after losing their bid for reelection.