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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Swingin' Lame Duck
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Swingin' Lame Duck

Artifact ID1973.1.620
Artist (United States, 1918 - 1988)
Date ca. May 1968
Medium Ink and pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 1/2 in (36.8 cm x 29.2 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ kicks a man (“Congress”) in the rear-end. Both of LBJ's legs are bandaged and he is using crutches. Caption: “The Swingin' Lame Duck”. Artist signature lower left: "Don Hesse St. Louis Globe Democrat”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across the bottom: “And a lot of the candidates are dead ducks - .... Best wishes Mr. President - Don Hesse”. Handwritten across the bottom: [blue] “3 col - Ed Page -” [illegible] “- May 8, 1968”.
Historical NoteLyndon Johnson’s ability to persuade and push people into doing what he wanted was referred to as the Johnson Treatment. The term "lame duck" refers to a politician who is finishing their term after the election of a successor.
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
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© 1968 Don Hesse St. Louis Globe-Democrat
Copyright 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.
Not on view
Place of Publication