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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Popularity Pole
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Popularity Pole

Artifact ID1966.64.305
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Gifter
Publisher ()
Date ca. July 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 5/8 in (36.8 cm x 29.5 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Pole vaulter LBJ, with a "Viet War" shirt, holds a pole twisted to read "All the Way with LBJ". He looks up at a high hurdle ("1964 Popularity Heights"). Caption reads: "Popularity Pole". Artist signature lower right: "7-18-66 Osrin Plain Dealer".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "For President Johnson - Respectfully - Ray Osrin". Handwritten at lower right: "55". Handwritten across top: "Editorial Cartoon Mon."
Historical NotePresident Johnson’s approval ratings were very high at the start of his presidency and remained fairly high throughout 1964 and 1965 while much of the Great Society legislation was getting passed. By 1966, as the Vietnam War escalated, when this cartoon was made, his approval and disapproval ratings were around the same, and continued to decline after that.
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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
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
Cleveland
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