Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Who's the Dummy?
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Who's the Dummy?

Artifact ID1973.10286.4
Artist (1897 - 1986)
Medium Ink on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 13 3/4 in (41.3 cm x 34.9 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man (identifiable as William E. Miller) controls a dummy and says, "When you said 'Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice' you meant you hoped my wife loves me, didn't you, Charlie?". The dummy (identifiable as Barry Goldwater) answers, "Yes, Bergen, I'll pop off and you translate it!". Caption: “Who's the Dummy?”. Artist signature lower center: "Chuck Thorndike”.
Historical NoteDuring the 1964 election cycle, Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater ran as a Republican against incumbent President Lyndon Johnson. Goldwater was pro-war and famously said "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice" and "Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue," which emboldened the conservative wing of the Republican Party.
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 William E. Miller (United States, 1914 - 1983)
Person Referenced Barry Goldwater (United States, 1909 - 1998)
Person Referenced Edgar Bergen (United States, 1903 - 1978)
Not on view
Related Links