Though the group responsible for this poster calls itself Radical Democrats, their politics are decidedly anarchic as they call for the outright abolition of the presidency. The presidential election referenced here, between the incumbent Ulysses S. Grant (Republican) and Horace Greeley (Liberal Republican / Democrat) took place in 1872, with Grant winning reelection.
The poster’s text reads in full:
Protest ticket of the Radical Democrats. Neither Grant nor Greeley. No president at all. No more kings in dresscoat. Abolition of the presidency, the source of all corruption, all contention, all third party tyranny and all anti-republican intrigues. Annexation of the White House to the capitol. The executive power to be aborted by the legislative. The separation and balance of powers an antiquated experiment and pernicious delusion. Intellect and Will, Will and Action, Resolution and Execution, belong together. The sovereignty of the people. To be vindicated and made efficient by uniting all powers in the hands of the RESPONSIBLE legislative agents. The executive only an administrative commission of congress. Real Democracy the only remedy and safeguard.
