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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Still Trying to Reach
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Still Trying to Reach

Artifact ID1973.1.1248
Date ca. February 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 7/8 in x W 9 3/8 in (30.2 cm x 23.8 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ (“USA”) and another man (“USSR”) reach toward each other across an icy ("Thin Ice") river ("Vietnam"). Each extends a stick with a sign ("Better Relations") on the end. A small cat stands to LBJ’s right. Caption: “Still Trying to Reach”. Artist signature lower right: "Vic Runtz news ‘67”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: [blue] “3 col line Ed page Fri”. Handwritten at lower center: [blue] “Bangor Daily News, Feb. 12, ‘67”.
Historical NoteDuring the Johnson administration and general postwar era, much foreign policy was dictated by the Cold War, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union for political influence amidst decolonization, associated with proxy wars, ideological struggles, the nuclear arms race, and the space race. The Vietnam War was a proxy war and President Johnson and the man representing the Soviet Union stand on opposite sides of an icy river, a representation of the Cold 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 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 Described
Place of Publication