Olivia Inkwell
Dave Granlund is one of America’s most enduring and prolific political cartoonists, with a celebrated career that spans more than five decades. Since 1977, his sharp, humorous, and thought-provoking illustrations have graced the editorial pages of thousands of newspapers in the United States and abroad. Granlund’s body of work reflects a lifetime commitment to civic engagement, political satire, and commentary on pressing social issues. A Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force veteran, his life story is marked by public service, journalistic dedication, and artistic excellence that continues to resonate across generations.
Infobox: Dave Granlund
Name: Dave Granlund
Born: Ware, Massachusetts, United States
Profession: Political Cartoonist
Years Active: 1977–present
Nationality: American
Military Service: United States Air Force (8 years)
Notable Assignments: Strategic Air Command, Air Force One, The White House, NATO Operation Looking Glass
Awards: Joint Service Commendation Medal, UPI Award, New England Press Association, AP Awards, Bronze Quill (IABC)
Syndication: NEA-United Media, GateHouse Media, Cagle Cartoons, USA Today Network
Publications: The New York Times, USA Today, Boston Globe, Politico, Newsweek, The Week, Newsday
Broadcast Appearances: MSNBC, CNN, NPR, HBO, Fox News, PBS, ABC, NBC’s Today Show
Hobbies: Wood carving, kayaking, biking, antique tractor restoration, Swedish language study
Family: Married (over 50 years), father and grandfather
Early Life and Education
Born in the small town of Ware, Massachusetts, Dave Granlund’s fascination with drawing began at an early age. As a child, he delighted in sketching caricatures of family members, friends, and classmates, which quickly earned him a reputation as the “school cartoonist.” His love of art was more than just a hobby—it became a lifelong pursuit. By the time he reached high school, he was regularly contributing cartoons to his school’s newspaper and yearbook. His wit, visual storytelling, and ability to comment on the world around him through art were already evident.
At just 16 years old, Granlund took his talents to a professional level, freelancing for his hometown’s Ware River News. This early exposure to print media not only strengthened his technical skills but also gave him invaluable experience in understanding deadlines, editorial processes, and the evolving relationship between journalism and visual commentary.
Granlund continued to develop his craft during his college years, contributing editorial cartoons to the Greenfield Daily Recorder. These cartoons often tackled local politics and cultural trends, showcasing his growing mastery in distilling complex issues into compelling and accessible imagery. His passion for drawing remained a constant even as he prepared for a career in public service through military enlistment.
Military Service
Granlund served in the United States Air Force for eight years during the Vietnam era, a formative experience that shaped his views on public duty, leadership, and international affairs. His assignments were notable for their prestige and responsibility. He was attached to Strategic Air Command and Headquarters Command, serving in highly sensitive operations linked to national security. Among his most distinguished duties were assignments supporting the White House, Air Force One, and Air Force Two—roles that demanded discretion, reliability, and precision.
He also served overseas under NATO as part of Operation Looking Glass, a Cold War-era mission involving the U.S. airborne command post, which was a vital component of nuclear readiness. For his role in these high-stakes environments, Granlund received the Joint Service Commendation Medal, a prestigious military decoration recognizing his exemplary performance and contributions to national defense.
Editorial Cartooning Career
In 1977, shortly after completing his military service, Granlund was hired as a full-time political cartoonist for The South Middlesex News in Framingham, Massachusetts (later renamed MetroWest Daily News). This opportunity marked the formal beginning of his long editorial cartooning career. His cartoons, blending sharp satire with universal appeal, rapidly gained popularity among readers.
By 1978, Granlund’s work was syndicated nationally by NEA-United Media, allowing his cartoons to appear in over 700 newspapers across the country. Over the years, this reach expanded dramatically. His work has been featured in top-tier publications such as The New York Times, USA Today, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Newsday, Politico, and The Week. His cartoons have also appeared in magazines like Newsweek (both U.S. and international editions) and have been translated into multiple languages for global audiences.
Granlund’s reach extends well beyond print. His editorial cartoons have been showcased on major broadcast and digital platforms, including MSNBC, CNN, NPR, HBO, PBS, ABC News, FoxNews.com, and NBC’s Today Show. His ability to adapt to evolving media landscapes while retaining the core of his satirical voice speaks to his versatility and relevance.
In addition to political cartoons, Granlund is known for his sports-themed illustrations. Several of his sports cartoons have been recognized and preserved in the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in the intersection of art, journalism, and sports culture.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Granlund has received numerous accolades honoring his journalistic excellence and contributions to public discourse. Among these are prestigious awards from:
- United Press International (UPI)
- The New England Press Association
- The Associated Press
- The Massachusetts Press Association
- The International Association of Business Communicators (Bronze Quill Award)
- The New England Press Award
His work has also been entered on multiple occasions for consideration for the Pulitzer Prize in editorial cartooning—one of journalism’s highest honors. His accolades speak to the consistent quality, influence, and ethical rigor of his work over the decades.
Public Speaking and Personal Life
Granlund’s talents are not confined to the printed page. He is a sought-after public speaker who often visits schools, universities, and civic organizations. His dynamic presentations, known as “chalk talks,” combine live cartooning with storytelling, historical insights, and contemporary commentary. These engagements allow audiences to witness the creative process firsthand while gaining deeper understanding of current events through satire and humor.
Dave Granlund has been happily married for over five decades and takes pride in his role as a father and grandfather. His family has been a bedrock of support throughout his career. He credits his spouse and children with providing inspiration, grounding, and emotional balance amid the demands of daily deadlines and public scrutiny.
Outside of cartooning, Granlund leads a rich and varied personal life. He enjoys wood carving, kayaking, biking, restoring antique tractors, and exploring science and history. One of his more unique interests is studying the Swedish language—a nod to his curiosity and lifelong love of learning.
Legacy
Working from his home studio, Granlund continues to produce between five and seven political cartoons each week. His discipline, creativity, and unwavering focus on democracy, accountability, and justice have earned him a devoted following among readers and colleagues alike.
Dave Granlund’s legacy is defined not only by the volume and quality of his work but also by its impact. His cartoons have sparked debate, influenced opinion, and held power to account—all while entertaining and educating audiences across generations. At a time when editorial cartooning is increasingly under threat due to budget cuts and shifting media priorities, Granlund’s enduring presence serves as a testament to the power of satire in a free society.
Through his art, service, and public engagement, Dave Granlund has helped Americans see their world more clearly, critically, and compassionately. His body of work continues to inspire aspiring cartoonists, inform citizens, and enrich the broader landscape of American journalism and civic life.
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