Political cartoon.

... I WORRY THAT WE NOW HAVE SO MANY CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT, HIRING FULL-TIME CAMPAIGN WORKERS AND SPENDING CAMPAIGN FUNDS, WE'RE STARTING TO TURN THE BUSH ECONOMY AROUND.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

This cartoonist uses exaggeration and irony to comment on the news in a humorous way. He describes the conflict between a desired outcome and what might occur instead. Study the cartoon, and then answer the questions.

1. What kind of animals are pictured, and whom do they represent? --

2. To what political event do the animals refer? --

3. What do they mean by "the Bush economy"? --

4. How might the activities of "so many candidates" described here "turn the Bush economy around"? --

5. Why is the situation in this cartoon ironic? --

ANSWERS

1. The animals are donkeys, common symbols of the Democratic Party. Their suits mark them as party officials.

2. The donkeys are discussing the Democratic Party presidential primary elections.

3. "The Bush economy" refers to the U.S. economy as it is faring under the administration of President Bush.

4. The cartoonist is joking about the large number of candidates and making an exaggerated point about the total amount of money they will spend in the presidential campaign.

5. All of the Democratic candidates are criticizing President Bush for his handling of the economy. It would be ironic if the efforts made trying to unseat him caused "the Bush economy" to rebound.