October 14, 2008
Artist's rendering
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning Newsday editorial
cartoonist Walt Handelsman said he found The New Yorker's cover image of Barack and Michelle Obama "shocking" and "edgy," and likely to stir controversy among people who don't understand the illustration.
"I was shocked when I saw it. As a cartoonist, I like to be shocked by images. As a cartoonist that works for a daily newspaper, I think there's always the question of whether people will understand what you're saying in a cartoon ... People are calling it tasteless and offensive. I think there's no cartoonist that hasn't had that thrown at them at some time ... Ultimately, cartoonists draw all kinds of things and it's up to the editors to determine whether this is to be published. It's very, very important to keep the ideas simple and easily understood so people will know what you're trying to say ... I certainly get [the cartoon] but at the same time I thought, 'Wow.' ... The thing that surprised me is that this is The New Yorker, not The Onion, which is always satirical ... Clearly, they knew this cover would get quite a strong reaction, and it has. Some people get it and think it's very edgy, and other people are probably baffled by it and are wondering why the Obamas are being depicted this way ... This is American politics, and there's a long history of being very brutal in cartoons - and I guess they're following that tradition."
Get breaking news | Most popular stories | Dining and Travel deals all via e-mail!
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
-
ABSOLUTE BEST CARE
-
AMERICAN CAPITAL PARTNERS
-
ACCELERATED CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
-
REGAL CINEMAS, INC
The latest Politics blogs
Popular stories
- Cops: Woman cashed her dead dadÂ’s benefit checks
- Les Payne: Acts of rage, hate in McCain corner
- Cambodia says Thai troops have retreated from disputed border ahead of noon deadline
- Dow rises record 936 points in stunning reversal
- Stunning loss casts shadow on Kimbo Slice' stardom
Politics online
Vote: Obama vs. McCain
Practice voting for your candidate before you step into the election booth on Nov. 4.
Election 2008: Barack Obama
Latest news and info about the Democratic presidential nominee.
• Barack Obama in photos | Young Barack Obama
Election 2008: John McCain
Latest news and info about the Republican presidential nominee.
• John McCain in photos | Young John McCain
Election 2008: Joe Biden
Latest news and info about the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
• Joe Biden in photos
Election 2008: Sarah Palin
Latest news and info about the Republican vice presidential nominee.
• Sarah Palin in photos | Young Sarah Palin
Walt Handelsman's blog
Cartoons, sketches and animations on politics and more from this Pulitzer Prize winner.
Spin Cycle
Latest blog posts from the world of national and local politics.
• Subscribe to this feed
Capitol Gains
From across the political spectrum, insiders blog about the hot seats.
• Subscribe to this feed
My Long Island
