The election of 1800, the third in the nation’s history, proved that nastiness is in our heritage. The candidates did not advocate for themselves, but in a foreshadowing of the super PAC, their political parties and allies savaged the other side on their behalf. In this cartoon, Jefferson kneels before the altar of Gallic despotism as God and an American eagle attempts to prevent him from destroying the U.S. Constitution. He is depicted flinging a document labeled "Constitution & Independence U.S.A." into the fire. Jefferson was referred to as “a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father,” wrote one Federalist. Another newspaper warned that if Jefferson were elected "murder, robbery, rape, adultery and incest will be openly taught and practiced, the air will be rent with the cries of the distressed, the soil will be soaked with blood." Jefferson’s opponent, John Adams, was called “a blind, bald crippled toothless man" who imports mistresses from Europe and possessed a "hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman."
Pictured: The Providential Detection depicts Jefferson attempting to destroy the Constitution. Artist unknown. 1797-1800.