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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Alphabet Soup
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Alphabet Soup

Artifact ID1973.1.69
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1908 - 1980)
Publisher (founded 1880)
Gifter
Date ca. March 1964
Medium Ink and pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 1/8 in x W 14 1/2 in (43.5 cm x 36.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing showing LBJ looking into a bowl of alphabet soup with different combinations ("LBJ-RFK”, “RFK-LBJ”, “RFK”, and “VP") of noodles floating on top, and rising steam forming a question mark. A donkey peeks through the door. A small piece of paper “© 1964, Buffalo Evening News, Inc.” adhered to lower right. Caption: "Alphabet Soup." Artist signature lower right: "Bruce Shanks 3-13-64”.
Historical NoteDuring the 1964 election cycle, the Democratic Party was mostly united under Lyndon B. Johnson. However, there was potential disagreement on who his running mate would be, since Robert F. Kennedy was a popular choice. In response, Johnson publicly stated that he would not choose a cabinet member as a running mate.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© 1964, Buffalo Evening News, Inc.
 The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Robert F. Kennedy (United States, 1925 - 1968)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Buffalo
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