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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
New Credibility Gap
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

New Credibility Gap

Artifact ID1973.1.1221
Artist (United States, 1932 - 2022)
Publisher (founded 1888)
Date ca. November 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil 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. A bomb ("Bombing Suspension") with the face of LBJ is being pulled from its place in a barrier. A long line of Communist trucks pour through the gap. On the bomb, LBJ's face looks down at trucks in dismay. Caption: “New Credibility Gap”. Artist signature lower left: "Bob Taylor”.
Historical NoteIn October 1968, President Johnson announced a complete bombing halt over North Vietnam. The credibility gap refers to the public skepticism about the Vietnam War due to a gap in what the Johnson administration officially told the public and what seemed to be true. Containment was a policy intended to stop the spread of communism, but in this cartoon, the bombing halt allows for communism to spread.
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
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 Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Not on view
Place of Publication