President Jimmy Carter’s administration began well with passage of administrative reform plans but met congressional opposition toward other initiatives, including energy policy. Herblock created this cartoon the day after Carter delivered a strong speech in which he pledged his leadership in pursuing energy proposals. Herblock captures Carter’s frustration but also questions his leadership style. He shows Carter facing, not occupying the desk, holding a visitor’s guide, and depicts multiple images of his pounding fist, suggesting a lack of bold, confident control.