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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Tough Arm-Twisting
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Tough Arm-Twisting

Artifact ID1973.1.2504
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Publisher ()
Medium Ink and grease pencil on illustration board
DimensionsOverall H 20 in x W 15 in (50.8 cm x 38.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ sits at his desk signing papers ("Political Master Touch"). Both of his arms are twisted and in pain ("Costs” “Enemy Won't Talk Peace” “Vietnam Escalation” “Urban Riots” “Inflation” “Congress Ups Spending” “Tax Raise?” “Wage Demands"). Caption: “Tough Arm-Twisting”. Artist signature lower left: "Temple”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper right: “45”. Handwritten at lower left: “T-P Sunday Aug 21.”. Handwritten at lower right: “35 picas”.
Historical NoteNorth Vietnam did not want to recognize the government of South Vietnam and had the goal of reunification, while South Vietnam did not recognize the National Liberation Front. Meanwhile, the United States followed Containment policy, hoping to keep Communism from diffusing to other Southeast Asian nations, and aimed to leave Vietnam without the humiliation of defeat. Over 150 race-related riots took place in cities across the country during the Long, Hot Summer of 1967 in response to unemployment, police brutality, and discrimination. In response, President Johnson authorized the Kerner Commission to investigate the causes of the riots, and politicians such as Richard Nixon campaigned on “law and order” during the 1968 presidential election. When 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 on the Vietnam War and Great Society, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. Johnson could decrease inflation by raising taxes or lowering government spending.
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
New Orleans
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