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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Now on the Other Hand, Chief!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Now on the Other Hand, Chief!

Artifact ID1973.1.1846
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 20 3/4 in x W 14 1/8 in (52.7 cm x 35.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ is seated at his desk. A man (identifiable as Robert McNamara) waves a huge open umbrella ("Defense against China") and a smaller one ("Defense against Russian Bombers"). A folded umbrella ("Radar") is beside him. A sofa is in front of them. The chair behind McNamara is flipped over. Curtains are behind LBJ’s desk and the door to the right of them is slightly open. Caption: “​​Now on the Other Hand, Chief!”. Artist signature lower right: "Sandeson”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across bottom: "To -- President Johnson, with kindest regards, Bill Sandeson”.
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. Robert McNamara was the Secretary of Defense. The Sino-Soviet split were the tensions between China and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Although both nations were Communist, they competed with each other over the same spheres of influence. As a result, the United States had to practice triangular diplomacy to maintain relations with both Communist powers.
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 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)
Person Referenced Robert McNamara (United States, 1916 - 2009)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
ChinaRussia
Place of Publication
Fort Wayne
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