Ted Cruz Tactics

The use of visual cues is an effective way to communicate a particular message to a desired audience. Both text and picture in a political cartoon, or a real life image, can be used to present commentary on a particular political situation. For instance, a political cartoon illustrates Ted Cruz on an island alone with a boat driving away with the wording “GOP Support,” to display the lack of support he gets from fellow Republicans. Furthermore, the article “Obnoxiousness is the New Charisma” written by Frank Bruni, presents an unflattering picture of Ted Cruz with his fist up and a blurred out mouth. Since both these images are anti-Cruz, they are targeted towards an audience who feels similarly towards him, whether conservative or liberal.

In the cartoon, Ted Cruz is depicted looking alone and sad on a small island talking to himself saying, “I’m sure they’ll circle tack for me…” There is also a small life float under next to him that reads “Ted Cruz Tactics” Surround Ted Cruz is water, and in the slight distance there is a boat riding away labeled “GOP Support.” Overall, the image reflects on Ted Cruz in an unflattering light, as all of the worst features on his face, such as a misshaped ear and crooked nose, are emphasized and his head is drawn purposefully to be about equal size to the rest of his body. Therefore, this image clearly highlights the most unflattering parts on Ted Cruz’s physique, like most political adds do. Hence, it’s easy for an audience who already dislikes Cruz to look at the image’s exaggerated aspects and find it comical. In addition to Granlund’s wish to stir a humorous reaction through his drawing, he is also hoping to appeal to his audience’s dislike and emotions such as hatred and disgust. By highlighting the Cruz’s worst features and making his head an unusually large size, which some may find funny, it is also intended to draw out negative emotions in the audience who already don’t like