Campaign Postcard, 1884

Butler, Benjamin

Benjamin Butler was one of the most unique politicians in 19th century America, jumping from party-to-party and cause-to-cause. He often presented himself as an ally of working people, and African-Americans, against the wealthy forces that dominated Gilded Age America. He ran for President in 1884 with the Greenbacker Party, although he did quite poorly, losing to both Grover Cleveland and James G Blaine. It is not exactly clear why he is depicted on a ram, an unusual animal in Gilded Age political symbols, perhaps it indicates his attempt to ram his way into the White House.