Ridiculous History: CLASSIC: History's Coolest (Non-Human) Political Candidates, Part I

Released on June 5, 2025, by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this special classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into the fascinating and often absurd world of non-human political candidates. Joined by returning guest Christopher Haciotes, the trio explores a series of unconventional and whimsical attempts by animals and even inanimate objects to gain political office. This episode offers a humorous yet insightful look into how these candidates reflect broader societal sentiments and protest movements.

Segment 1: Pigasus the Immortal Pig ([10:22]–[16:37])

The episode kicks off with the story of Pigasus the Immortal, a pig nominated by the Youth International Party (Yippies) during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Led by Abby Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, the Yippies aimed to use Pigasus’s candidacy as a form of political satire and protest against the establishment.

• Key Points:

  • Nomination and Purpose: Pigasus was intended to symbolize the absurdity of the political process, with the Yippies stating, “We nominate a president and he eats the people.”
  • Public Reaction: The stunt garnered significant attention, leading to Pigasus being "arrested" alongside his human companions when pulled over in a station wagon.
  • Legal Aftermath: The incident resulted in charges of animal cruelty and obstruction, with Pigasus eventually being taken to the Humane Society.

• Notable Quote:

  • Christopher Haciotes ([12:11]): “Can you disprove that they levitated the Pentagon? Absolutely not. You certainly can't.”

Segment 2: Pulvapies Foot Powder as Mayor ([21:05]–[26:18])

Next, the hosts explore the bizarre case of Pulvapies Foot Powder winning the mayoral election in Pico Aza, Ecuador, in 1967. This promotional campaign by the foot powder company blurred the lines between advertising and political participation.

• Key Points:

  • Campaign Strategy: Pulvapies distributed ballots resembling actual election ballots with their foot powder mascot, leading to confusion among voters.
  • Election Outcome: Although reports claimed Pulvapies won the mayoral race, it was likely a case of ballot misplacement, resulting in their victory being nullified.
  • Impact: The incident highlighted issues of ballot design and voter confusion, emphasizing the power of marketing in politics.

• Notable Quote:

  • Ben Bowlin ([21:55]): “People were having a laugh saying, these people are so dumb, they voted for a foot powder.”

Segment 3: Clay Henry the Goat – The Drunken Mayor ([32:38]–[37:28])

In Lajitas, West Texas, the story of Clay Henry, a goat elected as mayor in 1986, showcases how local politics can embrace eccentricity. Organized by Houston businessman Walter Misher, Clay Henry’s tenure was marked by his notorious drinking habits.

• Key Points:

  • Campaign and Election: Clay Henry was marketed as a friendly and approachable “mayor,” famous for consuming large quantities of beer and interacting directly with constituents.
  • Heritage and Succession: The popularity of Clay Henry led to his offspring, Clay Henry Jr. and Clay Henry III, also being elected as mayors, establishing a unique political dynasty.
  • Challenges: Clay Henry III faced altercations resulting in the loss of a testicle, underscoring the chaotic and unconventional nature of his mayoral role.

• Notable Quote:

  • Noel Brown ([35:55]): “He was known for walking around the Trading Post and other places in town, and if someone didn't hand him a beer, he would just find someone and take it.”

Segment 4: Kakareko the Rhinoceros ([58:14]–[61:55])

The tale of Kakareko, a female black rhinoceros, presents a profound example of using non-human candidates as a means of political protest. In São Paulo, Brazil, Kakareko was voted into office in 1958 as a statement against rampant political corruption.

• Key Points:

  • Motivation: Citizens, frustrated with political corruption, chose Kakareko to represent their discontent and as a form of civil disobedience.
  • Ballot Manipulation: Over 200,000 ballots were printed with Kakareko’s name, leading to her landslide victory.
  • Legacy: Although Kakareko passed away in 1962, her election inspired the Rhinoceros Party of Canada and the term “voto kakareko” (kakareko vote) became synonymous with protest voting.

• Notable Quote:

  • Christopher Haciotes ([60:32]): “This was a way for people to say our choices are so poor, we would rather have not just a rhinoceros, but a dumb as beans rhinoceros.”

Segment 5: Dustin the Turkey ([49:34]–[56:37])

Finally, Dustin the Turkey, a beloved puppet from Ireland, exemplifies the intersection of pop culture and politics. Initially gaining fame on the show The Den, Dustin’s foray into politics during the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest showcased his unique appeal.

• Key Points:

  • Eurovision Participation: In 2008, Dustin represented Ireland with the song “Ireland, Deuce Point,” blending humor and satire in his performance.
  • Political Campaigns: Beyond Eurovision, Dustin attempted to run for President of Ireland, though his campaigns did not yield significant electoral success.
  • Cultural Impact: Dustin remains a cultural icon, participating in various charitable endeavors and maintaining a strong fan base.

• Notable Quote:

  • Christopher Haciotes ([52:25]): “Dustin the Turkey is truly a puppet, a political puppet.”

Conclusion

Through these eclectic stories, Ridiculous History highlights how non-human candidates often serve as powerful symbols of protest, satire, and cultural commentary. Whether it’s a pig, a foot powder, a goat, or a puppet turkey, these candidates underscore the lengths to which people will go to express their dissatisfaction or inject humor into the political arena.

• Final Thoughts:

  • Symbolism and Protest: Non-human candidates frequently represent broader societal frustrations and serve as tools for political expression.
  • Cultural Reflection: These episodes reflect the unique ways different cultures engage with politics, blending tradition with absurdity.

• Notable Quote:

  • Ben Bowlin ([36:33]): “We found one of the very first examples of this, which I think, Noel, you had looked into.”

Stay Connected

For more outrageous and fascinating tales from history, follow Ridiculous History on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Share your favorite non-human political candidates and join the conversation with fellow ridiculous historians.

Produced by Casey Pegram, with research assistance from Eve Jeffcoat. Special thanks to guest Christopher Haciotes for his insightful contributions.