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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Caught in a Squeeze
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Caught in a Squeeze

Artifact ID1973.1.1251
Date ca. October 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 1/4 in x W 11 in (33.7 cm x 27.9 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Base runner LBJ (“Viet policy”) is caught between two other baseball players (“Those set to tag him IF he changes direction" and "Those set to tag him UNLESS he changes direction"). In the lower left corner (“while elsewhere), a cat sits on a megaphone (“Sox”) and holds a wreath with a note (“Congrats, cards!”). Additional text: “and better luck next time, Boston!”. Caption: “Caught in a Squeeze”. Artist signature lower right: "Vic Runtz news ‘67”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: [blue] “3 col line Ed Page Fri”. Handwritten at lower center: [blue] “Bangor Daily News Oct. 13, 1967”.
Historical NotePro-war “hawks” supported escalating the war to stop the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia. Pro-war figures believed that the war could be won if the United States had enough public support. Anti-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.
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)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication