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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Try Fireside Chats, Dear
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Try Fireside Chats, Dear

Artifact ID1973.1.2240
Artist (United States, 1923 - 1994)
Date ca. January 1968
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/8 in x W 11 in (35.9 cm x 27.9 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ sits dejectedly on a sofa. Lady Bird pats him on the shoulder. Newspapers ("Popularity Polls”, “Democrats in Disarray”, and “Programs in Trouble") are on the floor. A picture of a man (identifiable as Franklin Delano Roosevelt) hangs on the wall. Caption: “Try Fireside Chats, Dear”. Artist signature lower right: "Bob Stevens”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: “26”. Stamped at lower right: “Jan 1968”. Handwritten at upper right: “HK” “P”.
Historical NotePresident Johnson’s approval ratings were very high at the start of his presidency and remained fairly high throughout 1964 and 1965 while much of the Great Society legislation was getting passed. By 1966, as the Vietnam War escalated, his approval and disapproval ratings were around the same. Throughout 1967-1968, his approval ratings continued to decline due to the Vietnam War.
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 B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. 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 Franklin Delano Roosevelt (United States, 1882 - 1945)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Lady Bird Johnson (United States, 1912 - 2007)
Not on view
Place of Publication