Why? Because, for the most part, LBJ ignored them. He would invite the leadership and even critics to the White House quite frequently and listen as they offered suggestions. Usually, however, he would end up lecturing them about the wisdom of the decisions he had already predetermined.

It is interesting to note, that, throughout the war, LBJ actually received far more support from Republicans than he did his own party. In February, 1965, Johnson said to Republican Senate minority leader Everett Dirksen: "I'm getting kicked around by my own party in the Senate and getting my support from your side of the aisle" (Small, at the Water's Edge:).

The Vietnam War and President Nixon

Nixon's policies toward the war can be summed up in two words: politics and secrecy. It was the man, his obsession with secrecy, and his need to successfully seek re-election in 1972 that drove all of...
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