Reply #28: Johnson was a product of his time...

[Patriot_Spear]

Like Kennedy, Johnson grew up being indoctrinated about the 'threat of communism'. His policies on Viet Nam were the result of this 50 year campaign to demonize that political system.

Johnson did not make the decisions on Viet Nam alone- his advisors pushed hard for the conflict and when they started to waffle on the war, just four years later, Johnsaon was furious.

Johnson's downfall was really orchestrated at the grassroots level. Youthful party activists organized a campiagn to 'Dump Johnson', which ultimately gained support from the mainstram Dem leadership.

Johnson himself was mentally and emotionally spent from the Viet Nam policy and did not seek a second term.