U.S. Politics: #15 Democrats & Republicans, Donkeys & Elephants

Have you ever thought why Democrats are sometimes represented by donkeys and Republicans by elephants? Today on the U.S. Politics show, we're going to dive into this.

It all started in 1828, with an insult. That year, Andrew Jackson, a Democrat, attacked J.Q. Adams, saying he was a libertine. Adams’ supporters attacked Jackson, saying he was a “jackass”, comparing him to a stubborn donkey. But Jackson quickly turned the jackass into a positive symbol, pointing out that donkeys could carry heavy loads, etc. Elephants as the symbol for Republicans first appeared in the newspaper Father Abraham.

But thanks to cartoonist Thomas Nast did we start using these animals to represent the 2 main political parties of the U.S. Also known for inventing the modern red Santa suit, he used the 2 animals as symbols for the 2 parties in his cartoons.

I think even though being compared to donkeys and elephants isn't exactly flattering, we should always think on the positive side, like how Andrew Jackson did.