The cover of Harp celebrates the first elected Democratic ticket in 20 years. The rising sun, eagle in-flight and halo over the donkey mascot all symbolize what a historic election this was. If you look carefully, you can almost see the disdain in Thomas Marshall’s eyes. He had a real earful to say about the vice presidency, with such noteworthy quotes as this:
- “Being vice president resembles living in a catatonic state. You can see and hear and know what’s going on around you, but it’s impossible to move or speak.”
- “I soon ascertained that I was of no importance to the administration beyond the duty of being loyal to it and ready, at any time, to act as a sort of pinch-hitter.”
- “As vice president, I am responsible for nothing and influential nowhere.”
- “My job is like a monkey cage — except that visitors do not offer me peanuts.”
