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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Cool It, Men
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Cool It, Men

Artifact ID1973.1.396
Artist (United States, 1919 - 2014)
Publisher (founded 1878)
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 11 1/4 in (35.6 cm x 28.6 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ, as a cowboy, throws cold water ("No Change in Policy") on three men (“Mansfield”, Humphrey, “Muskie”). Mansfield holds a note ("Reduce U.S. war effort"). Humphrey holds a note ("Troops to start home in a few months"). Muskie holds a note ("Ease conditions for bombing halt"). A ladle sits on a table next to LBJ. Caption: “Cool It, Men”. Artist signature lower left: "Jon Kennedy Ark. Democrat”.
Historical NoteAnti-war “doves” included both people who opposed the war ideologically, considering it to be unjust, and people who just believed the war was unwinnable. The number of doves increased over the course of the war. Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and Democratic Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine were both opposed to the Vietnam War. Vice President Hubert Humphrey was also initially opposed to the Vietnam War, but reversed his position on it as vice-president due to pressure from President Johnson, which made him lose much of his support base of civil rights, labor activists, and other liberals.
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 Hubert H. Humphrey (United States, 1911 - 1978)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Edmund S. Muskie (United States, 1914 - 1996)
Person Referenced Mike Mansfield (United States, 1903 - 2001)
Not on view
Place of Publication