The Political Cartoon of the Week 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. 

Last week we discovered that three is better than one! So here are our top picks from the past week.

Our selection[s] appear each Sunday morning.

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].