People go to great lengths in order to influence others to share their same opinion and agree with them on what matters. There are so many different opinions on the two Presidential nominees during this election period. Obviously this cartoon, which was illustrated and published by The Buffalo News, describes Hillary Clinton’s email scandal and the cartoonist’s take on the situation. In this piece, Hillary Clinton is portrayed in a negative manner as she seems somewhat frizzled and angry, and the chains around her laptop make her appear criminal. The entire scene reflects a vile and almost sinister site of her.

Many of Hillary’s supporters find this email subject to be something ridiculous. It was proven after a long and arduous investigation and questioning that this mistake or rather lack in judgment never put American at risk in any way. Her recent quotes, heard often in the debates and in her campaign speech, “I want the Public to see my email.” Is shows her willingness to be open and honest. This speaks to a larger issue. Do the American voters truly trust her?  She can say one thing but her actions appear to show something else.  She may say she is showing all yet she appears to be in total control of exactly what she wants to be revealed.  In looking closely at the cartoon, we see her holding the keys firmly grasping them at her side. These keys would unlock everything , but, will she use them? She will tell the public what she wants them to hear and what she thinks they want to hear.  She is clearly not dangling the keys in front or handing them to someone. She is holding them close. It is shown in this illustration that although she wants to convey her openness to the public, she does not have any intention on making it easy. The chains around her laptop as well as the encrypted and top secret words written across her laptop screen in big block, and bolded letters speak to the irony of the situation. Those items along with her laptop being enclosed in a thick glass case only add to the point that the cartoonist is trying to make, which is that Hillary Clinton is villainous and bordering being a criminal. 

This cartoon clearly appeals to Trump supporters. The Republican party has always tried to portray Hillary and Bill Clinton as being dishonest and crooked. This cartoon’s depiction of her face and eyes shows a devious side. Also, she does not look attractive . They have shown her face to be harsh and she looks unapproachable. It appears that this cartoon is trying to tell the reader not to trust her by portraying her in such way that a criminal would also be portrayed. She is cold and her pearl necklace and earrings appear to show her as an elitist. There is even a subtle attack at her, placing her in ugly pants and a blazer. (which she is often criticized for wearing). Some say she is “robotic” and “stiff”. This cartoon shows her with a crooked smile and a stiff stare.  At first glance, people will either agree or disagree strongly with this cartoon and what it is trying to convey. Some may just find it amusing during this surreal time in our country. Some may find it alarming that we are actually electing our next President next month and we have to vote for the lesser of two evils. This election has become a circus with each party attacking each other. 

This illustration clearly puts forth the Republican image of its nemesis. They would love nothing more than for the public to view her as a demon, only interested in her own ambition . This clearly comes from the Republican Party and their belief that Hillary is dishonest and phony.  They are exaggerating the extent she will go in attempting to conceal the emails. This cartoon as well as others from each party , obviously strive to reach us. Some try to convince the public, some try to just reaffirm a point or belief.  

Unfortunately, in the American society, this has been going on for years. Political cartoons have been around for most, if not all of our Presidential elections in our country. In today’s society, cartoons, articles and social media are all part of this contest. It seems that revealing secrets and faults of their competition is more important than getting out the true message of the candidates and what they truly believe will help our country move forward. It is amazing the amount of energy put into sabotaging one’s opponent. These cartoons are a small part of a bigger plan. They are just another way for the candidates party’s message to get out. So many political cartoons have been released lately, with the election being less than a month away. These cartoons must have subconscious effects on all of us. Their messages stay with us, whether we are repeating the message in a story or glancing at a paper and passing it along to show someone else.  

It is very impressive how an artist can show so much in a little cartoon. Each little facial feature such as eyes or lips can convey so much of what is trying to be said. The choice of words and arrangements of those words makes such an impact.  This cartoon could have been completed by an unbiased artist just commenting of our everyday society or more believably, from a Republican; more specifically, a Trump supporter. Obviously, a Clinton supporter would have nothing to do with this as this message is clearly not one from the Democratic Party. 

As the final weeks of the election near, there will certainly be more cartoons to prove points and display positives and negatives of both parties. It seems the Republican party will continue with the idea that Hillary Clinton is a criminal in order to sway the undecided voters. The people of America will be fed information throughout this period that will make each candidate appear hostile while it is the job of every American citizen to ignore the pundits and vote for the candidate they think will help better the country.  
