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The Iron Triangle

Artifact ID1990.00763.72
Object Type Cartoon
Maker (American (Australian), born 1935)
Maker (Washington, DC)
Date December 19, 1988
Medium Paper, Ink, Glass, Wood
Dimensions16 1/4 × 20 7/8 × 1 3/8 in. (41.3 × 53 × 3.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionA Pat Oliphant political cartoon, matted in white and in a light wood frame, titled
George Bush's head is being squeezed by a triangular vise labeled DEFICIT on all three sides. Reagan's head is portrayed in the shape of a triangle.
CAPTION: THE IRON TRIANGLE
Reagan: WELL, GEORGE, I FOUND IT QUITE COMFORTABLE IF I JUST DIDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT.
Punk: Don't be a sorehead George
The cartoon is signed in lower left of image “Oliphant” and lettered “© 1988 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE.”
Historical NoteUpon hearing Ronald Reagan enjoyed political cartoons, the Kiplinger Foundation gave the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library a collection of Oliphant cartoons that covered the range of President Reagan's administration, selected by Pat Oliphant.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was created by Pat Oliphant during the Reagan Administration. The Kiplinger Foundation purchased seventy-four original drawings from Pat Oliphant, had them matted and framed, and donated them to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in 1990.
Credit LineGift of the Kiplinger Foundation
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Washington Star/Universal Press Syndicate 1988
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these 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 Depicted Ronald Wilson Reagan (President of the United States of America (1981-1989))
Person Depicted George Bush (President of the United States of America (1989-1993))
Exhibition HistoryWithin the Vault (1998), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library