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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Delicate Balance
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Delicate Balance

Artifact ID1973.1.1482
Artist (United States, 1916 - 1978)
Publisher (founded 1920)
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 23 7/8 in x W 18 in (60.6 cm x 45.7 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A frightened elephant walks the tightrope ("GOP Consensus on Vietnam"). His pole is balanced by steel traps ("Democrat's Mistakes", "Vietnik Extremes") poised to clamp the rope on either side. Caption: “Delicate Balance”. Artist signature lower right: "Warren King”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across the bottom: "To President Lyndon B. Johnson - from Warren King The News May 7 1967". Handwritten at lower right: [red] “3” [illegible].
Historical NoteMany Republicans opposed the Vietnam War. In 1967 Anti-war Republicans released the White Paper on Vietnam that pointed to the high loss of life, unpopularity, and expenses caused by the Vietnam War. Like other critics of the Vietnam War, Republicans criticized the credibility gap, the lack of disclosure to the media about the Vietnam War, and extended its meaning to skepticism about other policies.
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.
Not on view
Place of Publication