Final Project, Part 2 (1 of 2)

Question 4:

Political imagery often uses implied themes to convey its message. This magazine cover from a 1968 edition of Esquire uses misplaced imagery to undermine the credibility of Richard Nixon, claiming that he didn’t necessarily “look the part.” Designed by George Lois and photographed by Carl Fischer, the cover was the target of much criticism. Lois was contacted by one of Nixon’s staffers, who claimed that his design made Nixon appear feminine (Meggs 398).

This method of advertising has been used time and time again to attack the merit of political figures, and was especially abundant in the 2008 election.

This image of John McCain by Mark Ulrikson on the New Yorker cover displays the same characteristics of personal attack found on the Esquire cover. The image presents McCain as childish and irresponsible, like a schoolboy playing a game of Monopoly, which involves careful investment of funds and investments. Such imagery seeks to suggest how McCain would handle himself if elected into office, and, like the image of Nixon, undermines his character.