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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Balancing as Best He Can
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Balancing as Best He Can

Artifact ID1973.1.2095
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Publisher
Gifter
Date ca. May 1965
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. LBJ walks a highwire ("World Tension") with a balancing bar with a weight ("Firm Stand Against Aggression" and "No Reckless or Casual Use of Great Power") on each end. A cat holds onto the wire. A fire rages below. Caption: “Balancing as Best He Can”. Artist signature lower right: "Vic Runtz news ‘65”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: [blue] “3 col line Ed Page Fri”. Handwritten at lower center: [blue] “Bangor Daily News - May 14, 1965”.
Historical NoteDuring the Johnson administration and general postwar era, the United States was heavily involved in foreign affairs. 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. While the United States wanted to maintain dominance in many parts of the world, it also did not want to resort to war, since war would probably include nuclear weapons.
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
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 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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Bangor
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