Jump on the Bandwagon!

As you may know, the phrase 'jump on the bandwagon' refers to joining a growing movement in support of something or someone when it appears to be moving towards success.  

But did you know the phrase has its beginnings in the circus?  

Before the American Civil war, Dan Rice was a famous circus clown, selling out shows and performing to large crowds.  Which caught the eye of Zachary Taylor, who was running for United States President.  Taylor asked Mr. Rice to endorse his presidential campaign.  As you can guess, Rice said yes and requested Taylor campaign on the circus bandwagon.  

Because circus wagons paraded thru towns big and small building excitement and attracting huge audiences with their highly decorated wagons and floats, it seemed like a no-brainer.

This campaign method was so successful for drumming up support other candidates began seeking out their own place on the bandwagon and the rest they say is history.

In the words of Theodore Roosevelt in 1899 "When I once became sure of one majority they tumbled over each other to get aboard the bandwagon".