"Tall In The Saddle" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.78
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1962
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(American Newspaper, founded 1901)
Medium
Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. President John F. Kennedy dressed as a cowboy sits "Tall in the Saddle" of a horse with a dollar sign on its hind leg. A banner reads "Kennedy Popularity (79% According to Popularity Poles). The Democratic donkey looks proudly up at the President while the Republican elephant protests "But People Are Concerned About Foreign Relations and High Spending". Caption reads: "Tall in the Saddle"
Historical NoteThis polictical cartoon references President Kennedy's popularity with the United States public. JFK enjoyed very high public approval ratings compared with most modern presidents. Although his numbers weren't dragged down by the usual dip in the second term due to his abbreviated presidency, over the whole of his president Kennedy averaged a 70.1 percent approval rating. This was comfortably the highest of any Post-WWII president. Ferman Martin compares this success to JFK sitting "Tall in the Saddle" which is a term for someone who appears confident, capable, and in control especially in difficult situations. The Republican counter argument to Kennedy's success expressed here by the GOP elephant was government overspending on social programs like medicare and national security concerns relating to the Cold War.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle
Use of this image is restricted. Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will notinfringe 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.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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