REPUBLICANS UNDER FIRE
Team Member Name: Chase Checketts
Publication: The Denver Post
Date: October 1, 2013
Cartoonist: Tom Jannsen
U.S./International: International
Title of cartoon: Government Shutdown
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon, you see President Obama trying to steer the country away from danger or in the cartoons depiction, away from the waterfall but the elephant which represents the republican party is so fat that it lifts the motor out of the water and President Obama has no control on where the USA goes.
Which side is supported by the framing of the cartoon?
From the depiction of the cartoon, the framing is supported by those who favor President Obama and his role as our President.
What evidence can you give that shows the cartoonist supports one side or the other?
The way he draws the elephant (republican party) as mad, not caring the boat is about to go off the cliff, huge, and taking the boat where it wants it go shows us that the cartoonist supports the left hand side or democratic side.
What “reality” is constructed/framed about your issue?
Reality is, the republican party have their agenda in one direction which is down a waterfall and the democratic side which is President Obama have another agenda and are trying to “steer” the country in another direction.
analysis:
The cartoon shows clear exaggeration and symbolism when looking at the cartoon. The boat represents the United States of America, the elephant represents the GOP and the man “steering” the boat is President Obama and the waterfall represents a falling country and where it's leading to with the GOP making it difficult for Obama to “steer” the country.