Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
And the Brakes Aren't Working Too Well Either
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

And the Brakes Aren't Working Too Well Either

Artifact ID1973.1.1217
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, born 1927)
Gifter
Publisher ()
Date ca. January 1969
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 11 in (35.6 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A frightened man (identifiable as Richard Nixon) is at the wheel of a large steam roller ("Inflation") that is falling apart and has run over a man. LBJ is leaping off. Caption: “And the Brakes Aren't Working Too Well Either”. Artist signature lower right: "Basset”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across the bottom: "To Lyndon Johnson...who tried...good luck. Gene Basset".
Historical NoteWhen Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Revenue Act that decreased income taxes and refused to raise taxes, spending by consumers and businesses increased. Along with government spending, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. Richard Nixon won the 1968 presidential election. On January 20, 1969, he was inaugurated as president and Lyndon Johnson left office. Nixon inherited domestic issues like inflation.
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 NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these 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 Richard Nixon (United States, 1913 - 1994)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Cincinnati
Related Links