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A large broom labeled “Election” sweeps up the trash of campaign slogans, signs, and symbols of William Jennings Bryan and William H. Taft.
Comments and Context
Consistent with its virtual neutrality during the 1908 election campaign, the traditionally partisan and ferocious political-cartoon magazine made few comments on the election outcome — the election of William H. Taft to the presidency — positive, negative, or even of a balanced middle view, through the end of the year.
This cartoon by Will Crawford, therefore, might have depicted a “clean sweep” of a great presidential triumph, or Congressional results (generally, it be said, indicating the slipping influence of Reactionary and Stand-Pat politicians). The cartoon, however, shows the election broom of voters’ weariness, or disgust, with continual political contention.
The buttons, literature, symbols, and campaign ephemera of both parties are being swept away, at least in voters’ hopes as reflected by Crawford. Some short-lived issues, identified by name in cartoon, actually are the first time Puck referred to them, so neutral was it toward campaign details in 1908.
Collection
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Creation Date
1908-11-04
Creator(s)
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
Page Count
1
Record Type
Image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
A clean sweep. [November 4, 1908]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o289054. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Crawford, Will, 1869-1944. A clean sweep. [4 Nov. 1908]. Image.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. February 19, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o289054.
APA:
Crawford, Will, 1869-1944., [1908, November 4]. A clean sweep.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o289054.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. February 19, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
APA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
