Fun | The Donkey and The Elephant
The association of the donkey with the Democratic Party and the elephant with the Republican Party has its roots in 19th-century American political cartoons, satire, and public perception. These symbols were not initially chosen by the parties themselves but were instead popularized through the work of political cartoonist Thomas Nast.
The Democratic Party’s connection to the donkey dates back to Andrew Jackson’s 1828 presidential campaign. His opponents attempted to insult him by calling him a “jackass,” but Jackson embraced the image, seeing the donkey as a symbol of his stubborn determination and populist stance. Later, in the 1870s, Thomas Nast further solidified the association when he used a donkey to represent the Democrats in his widely circulated political cartoons. Over time, the donkey came to embody the party’s values, symbolizing resilience, determination, and a connection to the working class. What began as a mocking label was transformed into a symbol of pride for Democrats.
Similarly, the elephant became associated with the Republican Party due to Nast’s cartoons. In an 1874 illustration titled “The Third-Term Panic,” he depicted a scared elephant labeled “The Republican Vote” fleeing from a donkey in a lion’s skin. The cartoon was a commentary on fears that President Ulysses S. Grant would seek a third term, leading to political instability. The elephant, representing size and strength, resonated with the public, and it quickly became linked with the Republican Party. Over time, the elephant came to symbolize the Republican ideals of stability, power, and conservatism.
Though neither party originally chose these symbols, they have endured in American political culture. The donkey now represents the Democratic Party’s grassroots efforts and progressive ideals, while the elephant stands as a symbol of the Republican Party’s strength and traditional values. These animals, born from political satire, have become iconic representations of each party, reflecting the public’s perceptions of their defining characteristics.
