Daily Heller: Rediscovering a 1988 Washington Post Magazine Cover
Steven Heller reminisces about the presidential election of 1988, noting it was a time marked by politeness and a sense of normalcy in U.S. politics almost four decades ago. The contest featured Vice President George H. W. Bush from the Republican Party and Democratic Governor Michael Dukakis. Their debates were lively yet courteous, with little negative campaigning against the vice-presidential candidates, Senator Dan Quayle and Senator Lloyd Bentsen. This era aligned with the end of Ronald Reagan's presidency, where the country, despite its challenges, upheld constitutional values. Heller's nostalgia was sparked by an old 1988 issue of The Washington Post Magazine, showcasing Brad Holland's striking cover art and Steve Brodner's caricatures of Bush, which stand in stark contrast to today’s media influenced by Trump.
Key facts
- The 1988 U.S. presidential election featured George H. W. Bush (R) vs. Michael Dukakis (D).
- Vice-presidential candidates were Dan Quayle (R) and Lloyd Bentsen (D).
- The election occurred at the end of Ronald Reagan's presidency.
- Steven Heller found a 1988 copy of The Washington Post Magazine.
- The cover was illustrated by Brad Holland.
- Steve Brodner created caricatures of Bush for the magazine.
- The article reflects on the pre-Trumpian era and contrasts it with today's media landscape.
- The Washington Post was owned by the Bezos family at the time of writing (post-2013).
Entities
Artists
- Steven Heller
- Brad Holland
- Steve Brodner
Institutions
- The Washington Post Magazine
- CBS
- PRINT Magazine
Locations
- United States