In the early 1870s, Thomas Nast, an influential political cartoonist, used his platform in Harper's Weekly to comment on the political landscape of the United States. On January 15, 1870, he produced a cartoon that depicted a donkey symbolizing the Democratic Party in a confrontational posture against a deceased lion, representing a defunct era of Republican dominance or the former leadership of the Democratic Party. This cartoon came at a time when the Democratic Party was attempting to regain its footing in a post-Civil War landscape, characterized by rapid political changes and the Reconstruction era's challenges.

Nast's cartoons were known for their sharp wit and keen observation. By illustrating the donkey as an active figure kicking at a dead lion, he projected a message of resilience and aggressiveness on the part of the Democrats, contrasting the party's struggles with the fading power of its opponents. The cartoon's title, 'A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion,' not only referenced the party symbol but also served as a metaphor for the political and social battles occurring at the time.

The reception of Nast's artwork was powerful, resonating with the public and influencing political discourse. His ability to personify political issues using caricature helped shape the voters’ views, allowing them to understand complex political struggles through humor and satire. Over time, the donkey became firmly established as a symbol of the Democratic Party thanks to Nast’s significant contribution, and his art played a major role in transforming political cartoons into an essential form of journalistic commentary and a means of shaping public opinion.