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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 Trick is Impossible!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Trick is Impossible!

Artifact ID1973.1.1780
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 20 7/8 in x W 14 in (53 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man (identifiable as Charles de Gaulle) shuffles cards. Two cards ("Viet”, “Nam") have fallen to the floor. Other cards ("V”, “I”, “C”, “T”, “O”, “R”, and “Y”) are falling. LBJ looks at him with a knowing smile. Caption: “​​The Trick is Impossible!”. Artist signature lower left: "Sandeson".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across bottom: "To-President Johnson with the kindest regards - Bill Sandeson". Handwritten at lower center: “5 ⅝” “Mon.” [illegible] “Ed cartoon”.
Historical NoteIn August 1964, US ships were seemingly attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin, leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that allowed President Johnson to take military action. In February 1965, Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder to bomb North Vietnam and in March, 3500 Marines were deployed in Vietnam. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war and over 1967, there were 500,000 American troops in Vietnam. The war’s unpopularity in the United States was increased further by the North Vietnamese Tet Offensive in early 1968, which led to even greater casualties. In March 1968, Lyndon Johnson withdrew from the presidential race to try to end the war and in October, he announced a bombing halt over Vietnam. French President Charles de Gaulle urged President Johnson to remove United States troops from South Vietnam. Vietnam previously fought the First Indochina War against France from 1946-1954 and won using similar tactics as those used in the Vietnam 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
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 Charles de Gaulle (France, 1890 - 1970)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Fort Wayne
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