Dan Rice was quite the character. beginning his professional life as an assistant horse trainer and jockey at the age of 6. became a clown and animal trainer. eventually worked his way up to own the circus, becoming p.t.barnum's only true competition. his style of humor was never cute and zany, but more like will rogers or mark twain. i s'pose it was only natural that his next move was into brief political forays, up to and including running for president of the united states! he was a rock star of his day, and definately one of the inspirations for this piece.