Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Tall in the Saddle
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Tall in the Saddle

Artifact ID1973.1.2962
Publisher ()
Date ca. July 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 1/4 in x W 15 in (43.8 cm x 38.1 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ sits in a saddle on a big $ ("The Deficit") and holds reins ("Admn.'s Call for New Tax Increases"). Below is a shadow ("68 Presidential Elections"). Caption: “Tall in the Saddle”. Additional text at lower right: “New Orleans Times-Picayune July 12, 1967”. Artist signature lower left: "Pletcher”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: “To President Lyndon B Johnson, with very best wishes Eldon Pletcher”.
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 from the Vietnam War and Great Society, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. Raising taxes would decrease inflation. In January 1967, Johnson pushed for a 6% surcharge on income taxes. In 1968, Johnson was eligible to run for his second term as president.
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 Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Not on view
Place of Publication