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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Good Grief, Abe Fortas!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Good Grief, Abe Fortas!

Artifact ID1973.1.1007
Artist (United States, 1932 - 2022)
Publisher (founded 1888)
Date ca. September 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 15 in x W 11 1/8 in (38.1 cm x 28.3 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ’s kite ("Chief Justice Nomination”) got caught in a tree due to a strong wind ("Senate Filibuster"). Caption: “Good Grief, Abe Fortas!”. Artist signature lower right: "Bob Taylor”.
Historical NoteAbe Fortas was a friend of Lyndon Johnson’s and nominated to the Supreme Court in 1965 to succeed Arthur Goldberg, who left to become a U.N. Ambassador. Fortas upheld the Voting Rights Act and ruled on Miranda v. Arizona and Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School. After Chief Justice Earl Warren’s resignation in 1968, Johnson tried to make him the next chief justice, but the nomination was rejected due to his closeness to the president and mishandling of money and Fortas resigned from the court in 1969.
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 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 Abe Fortas (United States, 1910 - 1982)
Not on view
Place of Publication