The Democratic DonkeyThe donkey was first associated with the Democrats in the early 1800's. During Andrew Jackson's presidential campaign, his opponents often refereed to him as a "jackass." An ass is another way to refer to a donkey. Jackson, however, flipped the efforts of his opponents around, and used the donkey on his campaign posters referring to the strong will of the animal.
It was later on in 1874 that the symbol became famous. Thomas Nast, a cartoonist drew an image of a donkey in lion's skin scaring away all other animals. Because of this cartoon which was published in newspapers, the donkey quickly became associated with the Democratic Party. Coincidentally, the Republican elephant was also invented during this time. In the same image, Nast drew the "Republican Vote" cowering from the Democratic Donkey-Lion.
Nowadays, the Democratic Donkey is associated with strong-will, strength, and bravery.
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