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Andrew Jackson turned an insult into an icon by using a donkey on his campaign posters. Cartoonist Thomas Nast later drew a donkey to represent northern Democrats and an elephant for Republicans, and the symbols have been used ever since. Donkeys are sociable, loyal, and intelligent, and can live up to 50 years and remember other donkeys from 25 years ago.
You know someone is a born leader when they can turn an insult into an icon. While Andrew Jackson was running for president in 1828, some of his opponents tried to bring him down by labeling him a “dick.” The Democrat was known as a stubborn man, so rather than resent the abuse, he embraced it by placing a donkey on his campaign posters. While the image remained, it wasn’t until 1870 that cartoonist Thomas Nast drew a donkey to represent northern Democrats who opposed the Civil War. Four years later, he followed up the Harper’s Weekly image with another cartoon donkey to represent the Democrats in a fight with the Republicans, who for the first time were symbolized by an elephant. Over the years, more cartoonists across the country have banded together, and the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant have been running wild ever since.
Do you know donkeys?
Despite their reputation for stubbornness, donkeys are actually sociable, loyal and intelligent.
Donkeys are often used to protect sheep, cattle and goats from attacks by coyotes and other dogs.
A donkey can live 50 years and remember other donkeys they met 25 years ago.
