News
Sirena Bergman
Oct 31, 2020

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With just days to go before the presidential election, there's only one thing on most people's minds: Will the polls turn out to be right about Biden's lead, or will we have a repeat of 2016 on our hands?
As the race hots up, the endorsements are flying in, and the latest publication to back the Democratic candidate is The Economist.
The magazine's latest issue features a striking cover that simply says "Why it has to be Joe Biden", alongside an illustration of the White House.
The article in question argues that a Democratic victory would "restore civility to the White House" and "begin the long, difficult task of putting a fractured country back together again". It also suggests that a Biden win would actually benefit the Republicans, because "a close contest would tempt them into divisive, racially polarising tactics, a dead end in a country that is growing more diverse."
It goes on to offer a scathing indictment of Trump, saying: "The most head-spinning feature of the Trump presidency is his contempt for the truth. [...] Nothing Mr Trump says can be believed."
It was to be expected that such an endorsement would make waves, but the cover illustration has sparked its own dialogue too.
The Economist's president and managing director Bob Cohn tweeted out the image last night, teasing an "Easter egg" for followers to find.
Can you find the Easter egg on this week's cover? https://t.co/IFWiJjgxWG— Bob Cohn (@Bob Cohn) 1604089537
At first, people weren't quite sure what they were looking for...
@1bobcohn Masks flying off the tattered flag? When's the big reveal?— Corby Kummer (@Corby Kummer) 1604105396
But eventually the mystery element does become apparent.
@1bobcohn Wow. I stared for 2 straight min before it jumped out at me. Actually kind of eerie.— Darwin J Groskleg (@Darwin J Groskleg) 1604136809
Still don't see it? Look closely at the tattered flag, and whether it reminds you of anyone's profile...
@1bobcohn For anyone who can't find it... https://t.co/LlSHwc12x3— Max Wendkos 🍿🍿🍿 (@Max Wendkos 🍿🍿🍿) 1604091456
People praised the clever design.
@1bobcohn Pretty clever building that profile into the flag. Nicely done!— Lance Agena (@Lance Agena) 1604091479
Although others found it a little triggering.
@1bobcohn Unfortunately I’ve been seeing it for four years.— Hugh Mackworth (@Hugh Mackworth) 1604122225
@1bobcohn Creepy but glad you’re for Joe!— Denise Gibbs 🌎 (@Denise Gibbs 🌎) 1604091099
@1bobcohn @aunder Woah that is freaky— Richard Westmoreland (@Richard Westmoreland ) 1604121043
Some people took it a step further, and applied creative interpretation to other parts of the illustration too.
@1bobcohn Besides the flag, the White House roof resembles the hull of a ship that’s over water (notice how easy it… https://t.co/Pkk5ZQbV1H— Jacob Habib (@Jacob Habib) 1604128065
Trump has yet to tweet about his face becoming a Rorschach test, but we'll keep you updated if he spots it.
MORE: Will young Black people guarantee Trump's election victory?
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