What does it mean to "press the flesh"?

[alexjohnson16]

I'm doing a school assignment for goverment class where we have to take 35 political cartoons, explain them and give our opinion on them.

I have a cartoon that shows Arnold getting ready to go out for an interview where one of his aides is telling him "We're in a final campaign push, go out there and press the flesh." Than it shows Arnold making out with a female supporter in the second part. I understand the idea behind the cartoon, but I'm wondering what the true meaning of "press the flesh" is. I'm guessing its like going for a strong finish, but can someone clarify?

Thanks in advance.

 

[squirrel dog]

get out and shake hands,kiss babies,ect.

 

[FoBoT]

shake hands specifically

but meeting people, doing appearances in general

 

[preCRT]

it means getting one on one with voters, usually just shaking hands & making eye contact.

 

[kranky]

What FoBoT said.

 

[geno]

what kranky said

 

[moshquerade]

i thought it meant to have sex

 

[SludgeFactory]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
i thought it meant to have sex

Depends on the politician.

 

[Gravity]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
i thought it meant to have sex

It can, depends upon the audience (intended)

 

[preCRT]

Originally posted by: SludgeFactory

Originally posted by: moshquerade
i thought it meant to have sex

Depends on the politician.

only for oversexed Republicans like Arnie, the Bushes and Reagan