It's Edwards
Editorial Cartoonists' First Takes on Sen. Kerry's Selection of Sen. Edwards as His Running Mate
A non-scientific sampling mainly from the Cagle website, but also with some from other sites, cartoons from July 7-9, 2004.
Sen. John Kerry announced his selection of Sen. John Edwards as his running mate on July 6, 2004.  Cartoonists addressed the event from many different angles.  Among the major themes were comparisons of Edwards to Cheney, the prospect of Edwards overshadowing Kerry, the contrast between Edwards and Kerry, the annoucement providing a boost to the Kerry campaign; Edwards' trial lawyer background, Edwards adding Southern balance, and the Edwards smile.  Quite a few cartoonists did more than one cartoon on the announcement.
 

Matching Up Edwards and Cheney
Jack Ohman-Oregonian (also filed under smile)
Edwards and Cheney at debate podiums; Cheney has handlers on either side of him pulling his mouth into a huge smile.
"Just hold on, Mr. Vice President...  It's only until November..."

Chris Britt-State Journal-Register (also filed under smile)
Cheney in office with a couple of handlers; they are looking at a big photo of the smiling Edwards.
Handler: "Come on, sir.  You can do it.  Smile, Smile!"  Cheney: "I'm trying!  I'm trying!"

Walt Handelsman-Newsday
Four panels.  Cheney alone, speaking, in first three.  Cheney and Bush in the fourth panel.
Cheney: "...there are two Americas..."  "...one for the rich..."  "...and one for the really rich..."  Bush: "...stick to your old speech, Dick..."

Matt Davies-The Journal News (also filed under experience)
Panel 1: Campaign sign with Cheney wearing Halliburton and IRAQ WMD buttons and slogan "John Edwards: A V.P. Without Dick Cheney's Foreign Policy Experience"  Caption "Bush/Cheney Campaign Sign."
Panel 2: Campaign sign with Cheney wearing Halliburton and IRAQ WMD buttons and slogan "John Edwards: A V.P. Without Dick Cheney's Foreign Policy Experience"  Caption "Kerry/Edwards Campaign Sign."

Kevin Siers-Charlotte Observer (also filed under experience)
Six panels of Bush.
1. "Cheney said Saddam has weapons of mass destruction!"  2. "Cheney said Saddam has strong ties to Al-Qaida!"  3. "Cheney said the Iraqis would greet us as liberators!"  4. "Cheney said invading Iraq would decrease terrorism!"  5. "John Edwards has no foreign policy experience!"  6. "Lucky John Kerry!"

Mike Smith-Las Vegas Sun  07/07/04 (also filed under experience)
Two people on the street talking.  Two panels; the second also shows a couple of newspaper boxes.
1. "Edwards has no foreign policy experience.  It's important for the Vice President to know what he's doing in this area."  2. "Look what can happen."  Newspaper headlines read "We'll be welcomed with open arms Cheney said" and "We know where the WMD are Cheney said"

Scott Bateman
3 panels showing persons on the street.  Caption "Cheney, Edwards: What's the Difference, Anyway...?"
Person 1: "Edwards has been fighting for working people, while Cheney has been fleecing working people."
Person 2: "All I'm saying is, one of them scares my three-year-old whenever he comes on TV, and the other one doesn't, is all I'm saying."
Person 3: "I don't know about Edwards, but for a guy who claims to espouse family values, Cheney sure has a potty mouth."

Pat Oliphant  07/07/04
Kerry and Edwards arm in arm.
Kerry: "First thing we do is tell Bush to go Cheney himself."  Edwards: "Cheney's done that to him already."

Drew Sheneman-Newark Star Ledger  07/07/04
Cheney in an armchair in front of the fireplace.  He is holding a rifle, his feet are propped up on Halliburton contracts, his glass rests on a barrel of crude oil and the log in the fireplace is labelled old growth timber.
Cheney: "C'mon, you're not going to trust some ambulance chaser to be Vice President are you?"

Chan Lowe-South Florida Sun-Sentinel  07/08/04
Edwards and Cheney face each other.  Each bears a huge burden--Edwards' is labeled "Trial Lawyer" and Cheney's says "Halliburton."  Caption: "The Debate"
Cheney: "You've got some big-time baggage there, pal."

Kal-Baltimore Sun  07/08/04
Kerry and Edwards seated on the pans of a balance labeled "balanced ticket."  To the side is Cheney with Bush in his pocket.
Kerry: "I'm big on experience but have little flair."  Edwards: "I'm big on flair but have little experience."  Bush: "Hey Dickie, what are we big and little at..."

Don Wright-Palm Beach Post
Six panels-the White House with conversation.
1. "OK, he's young, he's articulate, but can he beat this:  2. #*@!  3. #*@!!  4. #*@!!!  5. #*@!!!!  6. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.  Anyone else want to weigh in on the Edwards selection?

Robert Ariail-The State
Man and woman on couch watching TV.  Woman holds and issue of "TV Week" on the cover of which is "Veep Debate."
From TV (Cheney): "Go #*@! yourself, Edwards"  Woman: "...but you've go to give Cheney points for firmness and brevity..."

Mike Keefe-Denver Post
VP debate-Edwards and Kerry at podiums.  Man and woman in the audience watching.
Cheney: "Go #*@! yourself."  Man in the audience: "Edwards' style, polish and rhetoric are impressive...but you gotta score one for Cheney on directness."

Plante-Chattanooga Times
4 panels from future vice-presidential debate.  First panel shows moderator; next two show the two candidates; final one shows just Edwards and an exclamation coming from Cheney, under the table.
1. Moderator: "Welcome to the vice presidential debates 2004...  Senator Edwards.  Why should it matter to the American voters who they elect Vice President?"
2. Edwards: "First, there's Dick's heart problem."  Cheney: "#*@! trial lawyer!"
3. Edwards: "Then there's Halliburton!"
4. Cheney: "Go #*@! yourself!"

Mike Smith-(Las Vegas Sun) USA Today  07/09/04
Two people at a bus stop; one is reading the paper (headline "Kerry, Edwards vs. Bush, Cheney")
Person reading the paper: It's a choice between two distinct tickets."  Other person: "Yeah, two rich white guys or two rich white guys."

Joel Pett-Lexington Herald-Leader  07/09/04
Cloaked figure of War holding up small Bush and Kerry holding up small Edwards.
Kerry and Bush simultaneously: "Nice running mate!"

Dan Wasserman-Boston Globe  07/07/04
Bush at his desk; Cheney walking away.
Bush: "Hold on--Kerry got to pick his own VP?!"

Bill Schorr-United Feature Syndicate
The White House
"Sorry, but you've become an embarrassment to my adminstration and a drag on the ticket...so I'll have to pick a new running mate!"  (Bush): "But Dick, I'm President!"
 

Kerry and Edwards
Beattie-Daytona Beach News-Journal
Kerry and Edwards arms raised, confetti falling, banner in background.
Kerry: "Now, repeat after me...I'M Batman and YOU'RE Robin.  I'M Batman..."

Stuart Carlson 07/07/04
Edwards in the foreground, greeting cheering supporters.  Kerry in the background looking on, talks to an aide.
Kerry: "I just hope he can handle living in the shadow of my own charisma."

Dwayne Powell-Raleigh News & Observer  07/08/04
Kerry on the couch talking to psychologist.  The psychologist has written the word "Delusional" on his notepad.
Kerry: "...of course, it helps that I'm confident enough with myself not to fear being overshadowed by Edwards..."

Vic Harville-Stephens Media Group
Giant arm (represents Edwards) with Kerry Edwards button holds up a small Kerry.  Caption "Boost."

Jeff Parker-Florida Today
Edwards being carried away by a group of TV cameraheads as Kerry is left to the side of the stage.

Dana Summers-Orlando Sentinel
Top Panel: Two Democratic donkeys look at a poster of Kerry and Edwards and talk.
Middle: The two donkeys look at each other with realization.
Bottom Panel: The donkeys walk away from rearranged image of Edwards and Kerry.
Donkey 1: "What do you think?"  Donkey 2: "Great Choice!  Edwards is Southern, young, handsome, and connects with the common man."

Ed Gamble-Florida Times-Union  07/09/04
Democratic donkey puts the finishing touches on Kerry-EDWARDS billboard.  (Edwards in much large font.)  Kerry looks on.
Kerry: "Hey, I still get to be President, don't I?"  Donkey: "We'll see."

Gary Markstein-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Kerry leaning out of his limousine lookas at a Kerry-Edwards billboard and talks into phone.  Edwards' face dominates the billboard.
Kerry: Hello, PR department?  You are sooo fired..."

Brian Fairrington
Kerry and a campaign staffer look at a big poster of Edwards.
Staffer to Kerry: "He's young, charismatic, popular, easy to understand, good looking, friendly, and a self made millionaire...Everything you're not..."

Mike Smith-Las Vegas Sun  07/08/04
Kerry and Edwards on the statge.  A couple of aides are to the side, talking; a small audience looks on.  Aide: "He'll make up for Kerry's lakc of charisma."  Audience member (thinking): "Next to Edwards he looks even more stiff."

Chan Lowe-South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Kerry with some icicles on him speaks flames through Edwards megaphone.  Caption: "Warming up the message."

Jimmy Margulies-The Record (New Jersey
Man snoozing in armchair in front of a TV; Kerry is on the TV.
Kerry: John Edwards will help me attract women, independents, Southerners, labor, swing voters...  ...and anyone else who is still awake..."

Jim Morin-Miami Herald
Kerry as Frankenstein strapped on table; Edwards as doctor.
Edwards "...It's Alive!  It's Alive!!"

Doug Marlette-Tallahassee Democrat
Democratic donkey as doctor taking pulse.  Kerry is in front; Edwards is behind him with his arm reaching forward.  The doctor is thus taking Edwards pulse.
Doctor: "Eureka!  We got a pulse!"

Rob Rogers-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  07/09/04
Kerry in hospital bed is administering self cardio shock; the monitor shows John Edwards.
Kerry: "Clear!"

Jeff Stahler
Edwards with jumper cables running from his ears to Kerry's ears; Kerry is being charged.  Caption: "Recharged..."

Dick Wright-Gwinnett Daily Post
Sailing vessel.  A small sail is labeled "Kerry;" the main sail, below, is labeled "Edwards."

Steve Sack-Star Tribune
Kerry on a Segway labeled "Kerry Charisma" to which is attached a flashy Edwards sidecar.
Kerry to Edwards "Buckle up..."

Bill Deore-Dallas Morning News  07/07/04
Kerry on a moped and Edwards on a full Harley style motorcycle.
Edwards to Kerry: "Drive this one...  It's faster..."

Jeff Danziger
Kerry as a tortoise; Edwards as a hare bounces around him.
Kerry: "I'd like to point out how Senator Edwards complements my candidacy..."

Mike Lester-Rome News Tribune
Hugely buxom Kerry with shirt labeled John Edwards.  Kerry is a podium.  In background are a couple of supporters talking.  There is also a small figure in the corner.
Supporter 1: "But they're fake..."  Supporter 2: "So what.  He looks sexier."  Small figure: "Now that should give his poll numbers some bounce."

Mark Streeter-Savannah Morning News  07/06/04
Smiling balloon (with Edwards face) lifts up an anvil (with Kerry face).
Small figure of artist in lower corner "Gravitas puts on a smile."

John Trever-Albuquerque Journal
"Democratic Drug Card" shows dour Kerry labeled "Downer" and hyped up Edwards labeled "Upper."

Jeff Gorrell-Creators Syndicate
Kerry holding up a baby Edwards.
Kerry: "What's the matter?...Never seen a politician kiss a baby?!"

Steve Benson-Arizona Republic  07/07/04
Kerry holding up a baby Edwards. Caption "Kissing Babies"
Kerry: "When I was returning from Vietnam, you were still in diapers.  But you're so cute!  Wanna be my running mate?"

Nick Anderson-The Courier Journal
Republican elephant reading newspaper with headline "McCain: 1st Choice?"  Woman  reading newspaper with headline "Bush Lost Popular Vote in 2000"
Republican Elephant: "Kerry had to settle for his second choice!  Woman: "I can relate.."

Gary Varvel-The Indianapolis Star
Take off on "The Apprentice" television show featuring Donald Trump.  Kerry is on one side of the table; VP prospects are on the other side.
Kerry: "John Edwards, you're hired."

Locher-Chicago Tribune
Kerry and Edwards in a jet fighter that is propped up on concrete blocks; two figures--"unions" and "Gephardt" running away with wheels.
Kerry: "Hope there's no hard feelings with my Vice President choice."
 

The South
MacGregor-The News Press
Kerry and Edwards on a tandem bike; in the background is a sign "Welcome to the South"
Edwards: "Don't worry John, I've got your back..  And I ain't just whistlin' Dixie!"

Bob Englehart-Hartford Courant
Kerry at podium in front of Kerry Edwards banner.
Thought balloon: "Carry Florida"

S.Kelly-Times Picayune(also filed under Qualifications-Trial Lawyer)
A pickup truck labeled "The South" has crashed into a car with Mass. license plate "Kerry."  Man with briefcase labeled "John Edwards, Atty." presents his card to Kerry.
Edwards: "My Card."

Robert Ariail-The State(also filed under Smile)
Kerry and Edwards; Edwards' smile is a map of the Southern states from TX to VA.
Kerry: "We're thinking the smile will help..."

Mike Lane-The Sun
Kerry and Edwards next to each other in front of microphones.
Kerry: "It is with exultant jubilation and felicitous exuberance that I intone..."  Edwards: "He's as pleased as a possum in a pea patch!"
 

Qualifications
Ed Stein-Rocky Mountain News
Air Force One in flight; conversation balloons.
1: "Only one term in national office.  Not prepared fo foreign policy crises.  He may be a nice guy, but this is not time for on-the-job training."
2 (President Bush): "Hey!"
3: "He means John Edwards, Mr. President."

Mark Streeter-Savannah Morning News
On the left is a large man (Cheney) holding hand of a diminutive Bush.  On the right is large man (Kerry) holding hand of a diminutive Edwards.
Bush: "Dick Cheney has had the depth of experience to be president.  C'mon.  This guy's only been in the Senate for as long as I was a Governor!"

Scott Stantis-Birmingham (AL) News  07/07/04
Eight images of Kerry at a podium.  The first one is labeled "Then."  The last one is labeled "Today."
Kerry (1): "This isn't the time for on-the-job training!"  Kerry (8): "Now is!"

Matt Davies-The Journal News (also filed under Cheney)
Panel 1: Campaign sign with Cheney wearing Halliburton and IRAQ WMD buttons and slogan "John Edwards: A V.P. Without Dick Cheney's Foreign Policy Experience"  Caption "Bush/Cheney Campaign Sign."
Panel 2: Campaign sign with Cheney wearing Halliburton and IRAQ WMD buttons and slogan "John Edwards: A V.P. Without Dick Cheney's Foreign Policy Experience"  Caption "Kerry/Edwards Campaign Sign."

Kevin Siers-Charlotte Observer (also filed under Cheney)
Six panels of Bush.
1. "Cheney said Saddam has weapons of mass destruction!"  2. "Cheney said Saddam has strong ties to Al-Qaida!"  3. "Cheney said the Iraqis would greet us as liberators!"  4. "Cheney said invading Iraq would decrease terrorism!"  5. "John Edwards has no foreign policy experience!"  6. "Lucky John Kerry!"

Mike Smith-Las Vegas Sun  07/07/04 (also filed under Cheney)
Two people on the street talking.  Two panels; the second also shows a couple of newspaper boxes..
1. "Edwards has no foreign policy experience.  It's important for the Vice President to know what he's doing in this area."  2. "Look what can happen."  Newspaper headlines read "We'll be welcomed with open arms Cheney said" and "We know where the WMD are Cheney said"

Trial Lawyer
Joe Heller-Green Bay Press-Gazette
Democratic HQ; two Democratic donkeys inside watching TV on VP choice.
"...and what's great is, he's a successful trial lawyer...  If we lose, we sue!

Brookins-Richmond Times-Dispatch
Two Democratic donkeys holding campaign signs.  First sign reads "Kerry: A lifetime of service and strength"  Second sign reads "Edwards: America's most lovable trial lawyer."
Donkey 1 to Donkey 2: "Y'know, that may need a little tweaking..."

Wayne Stayskal-Tribune Media Services
Man and woman on couch watching TV; Kerry is on the TV talking into a bunch of microphones.
Kerry: "If I had been President on 9/11, I would not have gone to war.  I would have had my Vice President, John Edwards, sue the terrorists for personal injury!"

Dan Wasserman-Boston Globe  07/08/04
Man and woman walk past Abraham Lincoln wearing a "Vote for Abe" button.
Man: "Nice guy, but I can't vote for him... He's a trial lawyer!"

S.Kelly-Times Picayune (also filed under The South)
A pickup truck labeled "The South" has crashed into a car with Mass. license plate "Kerry."  Man with briefcase labeled "John Edwards, Atty." presents his card to Kerry.
Edwards: "My Card."

Chip Bok-Akron Beacon Journal  07/09/04
Kerry and Edwards on a platform.  An ambulance goes by in the back and Edwards is poised to chase after it; Kerry holds on to him.
Kerry: My running mate wiht never forget the simple values that lifted him from humble beginnings."

Jones-Free Lance-Star
Officer handing envelope to President Bush in the Oval Office.
Officer: "Consider yourself served.  You're being sued by John Edwards for presidential malpractice..."
 

Smile
Branch-San Antonio Express-News
Kerry and Edwards arms raised; Kerry has a forced smile on to match Edwards' smile.
Edwards: "You'll get used to it, John..."

R.J. Matson-New York Observer
Kerry and Edwards in front of Kerry-Edwards banner.
The smiling Kerry is using his fingers to stretch a big smile on Kerry's face.

Ken Siers-Charlotte Observer
Kerry with a huge smile labeled "Edwards" grafted on to his face.  Caption: "The Facelift"

Doug Marlette-Tallahassee Democrat
Kerry and Edwards.   Edwards and his huge smile dominate the frame; Kerry is wedged over to the side.

Robert Ariail-The State(also filed under Smile)
Kerry and Edwards; Edwards' smile is a map of the Southern states from TX to VA.
Kerry: "We're thinking the smile will help..."

Jack Ohman-Oregonian (also filed under Cheney)
Edwards and Cheney at debate podiums; Cheney has handlers on either side of him pulling his mouth into a huge smile.
"Just hold on, Mr. Vice President...  It's only until November..."

Chris Britt-State Journal-Register (also filed under Cheney)
Cheney in office with a couple of handlers; they are looking at a big photo of the smiling Edwards.
Handler: "Come on, sir.  You can do it.  Smile, Smile!"  Cheney: "I'm trying!  I'm trying!"
 

Hair
Henry Payne-Detroit News
Democrat HQ with Kerry-Edwards sign in the window and Democratic donkey talking into phone.
"Hello?  Yes, I need to double that shipment of hairspray!"

Bob Lang-Inside Politics
Edwards and aide on balcony overlooking huge crowd with Edwards signs.  (Aide holds "Hair Care Kit.")
Edwards: "Listen to those people cheering for me!  They love me!  They really love me!"  Aide: "Er, sir... those are editorial cartoonists!"
 

Miscellaneous
Jeff Koterba-Omaha World-Herald
Edwards surrounded by a swarm of reporters with microphones.  Over to the side is Bill Clinton holding a copy of his book "My Life."

Vic Harville-Stephens Media Group  07/08/04
New York Post's erroneous  front page "Kerry's Choice" [Gephardt] is dressed up in a clown suit.
 

Copyright © 2004  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action