Why Donkeys and Elephants?

[yvr girl]

Why are these animals symbols of the Democratic and Republican parties? I just don't get it. Let this Canuck in on the secret.

[Jara sang]

1. Why maple leaves?

[yvr girl]

4. We have loads of them in Canada

How many indigenous elephants are in America?

Our political parties don't have animal symbols.

[democracyindanger]

6. We had loads, until Canada stole them.

[Jara sang]

11. Yeah right

I challenge you to show me a single organism that would thrive in Canada's harsh desert climate, save for camels and dung beetles.

[AlCzervik]

2. elephant answer here

http://www.rnc.org/About/AboutRead.aspx?AboutType=6

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

3. Geez, do you have to link to that stuff?

Now I have to wipe my browser cache again...

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. You're so right. I think a pig and a chicken would be more appropriate.

(Sorry, I just couldn't resist.)

[no name no slogan]

7. Thomas Nast cartoons from the 1800s

Don't know the exact details, but he was the one who came up with the Ass and the Elephant.

[Eugene]

9. The stubborn donkey and the rogue elephant.

Post Civil War Democrats were too set in their ways.
Republicans of that era promoted plutocracy and corruption.

[Deja Q]

12. Well, nobody's perfect...

:shrug:

[mcscajun]

8. More about the Donkey and the Elephant

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/americas/2000/us_elections/glossary/c-d/689655.stm

[In_The_Wind]

10. I've always wondered about that myself.