In 1828, during his presidential campaign, Democratic leader Andrew Jackson's opponents referred to him as a 'jackass,' which he later embraced to symbolize steadfastness and determination.

The animal mascots that represent the Democrats and Republicans were created over a century ago with color-coding scheme a modern invention.

Perpetuated by political cartoonist Thomas Nast, the donkey became a symbol for the Democratic Party. Soon, Nast invited elephants to the shindig with his illustration titled "Third Term Panic" in Harper's Weekly.