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Image Not Available for "It's In The Bag" Cartoon
"It's In The Bag" Cartoon
Image Not Available for "It's In The Bag" Cartoon

"It's In The Bag" Cartoon

Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.81
Object Type Editorial Cartoon
Date 1961
Artist (Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher (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. John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon each hold a corner of a large bag labeled "The Vote" and walk in opposite directions. A bystander, John Q. Public, representing the American voter, stands between the two of them smiling with his hand folded.
Historical NoteThis polictical cartoon satirizes the 1960 U.S. presidential election between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. Both candidates pulling on the bag labeled "The Vote" suggests a fierce competition for public support. Meanwhile "John Q. Public" in the background represents the average American voter, who feels like a bystander in the political struggle. The caption "it's in the bag" uses irony to show that both candidates had confidence in their ability to win. However this race was one of the closest in history. In a speech on April 28, 1961 in Chicago, President Kennedy joked "If all of you had voted the other way- there's about 5,500 of you here tonight - I would not be President of the United States"
Additional Details
Custodial 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.
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