Last week we debuted a new weekly feature, The Political Cartoon of the Week. It represents our choice of the best political cartoon we've seen during the previous seven days.

Political cartoons have a long and venerable history in American journalism and politics. We tend to favor those that produce a visceral reaction, an almost instant sense upon seeing the work that the cartoonist got to the essence of a topic via sharp imagery, a few choice words [often dripping in irony], or sometimes a harmonious blend of the two.

And of course, we're suckers for clever plays on words. 

This week's post was late due to a technical glitch. We apologize.

There is also a twist. We expanded our editorial board for the selection process to an even number, and of course, we deadlocked! But it's all good as we offer you three outstanding selections from the past week.  

Our selection will appear each Sunday morning and may inspire those of you who check us out before the weekly tv talk shows. 

If you come across a political cartoon this week that you believe should be considered using the criteria discussed above, you are invited to submit it to us via email. Your nomination must arrive by Saturday noon and should contain the date and place of publication. Put "Poltoon" in the subject line of your email to us, RTA @ TheRealDealPress.com. [no spaces].