Mugwumps
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The Mugwumps were Republican political activists in the United States who were intensely opposed to political corruption. They famously switched parties from the Republican Party by supporting the Dem
1884 cartoon by Bernhard Gillam in Puck magazine which ridicules James G. Blaine as the man tattooed with many indelible scandals. A parody of Phryne Before the Areopagus, an 1861 painting by French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Many editors supported the cause, such as E.L. Godkin
A "bogus" cremation for the benefit of the "life-long Democrats" 1885 cartoon by Joseph Keppler from Puck magazine
James G. Blaine
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James Gillespie Blaine was an American statesman and Republican politician who represented Maine in the United States House of Representatives from 1863 to 1876, served as Speaker of the House from 18
Mugwumps
…1884 United States presidential election. They switched because they rejected the long history of corruption associated with the Republican candidate James G. Blaine. Despite never formally organizing, the Mugwumps claimed that their influence was the reason that Grover Cleveland won a close election in New York…
Blaine, c. 1870–1880
The offices of the Kennebec Journal, where Blaine got his start in politics as editor.
Portrait by Mathew Brady c. 1863–1865
Portrait by Mathew Brady c. 1863–1875