Really? Are you aware of our present Rules of Engagement?
It is not an R or D problem, it is a mindset which has existed since the end of WWII, whereby we are so afraid of an expanded conflict (we haven't had any Wars since then) that we fight with one hand tied behind our backs and look for negotiated settlements from the git go.
Before anyone suggest Gulf War I, let me remind all that GHW Bush, chickened out and failed to finish the job and kick Sadam's butt which may or may not have had a positive effect, but we certainly would not be where we are today if he had.
As someone who worked in Intelligence (both producing it and having access to the highest levels thereof) in Vietnam for 18 months, I can attest to the fact that our policies were NOT designed to WIN, only to contain and hopefully, convince the North to cease and desist.
And example is that most POW's/Deserters (Regular North Vietnamese Regulars)I debriefed, considered the bombing of the North VERY effective in disrupting their supply lines as well as being demoralizing. They were especially afraid of B-52's.
After preparing report after report of these findings, I would read that no less than Sec Def (the worst we've had in my lifetime) McNamara making statements claiming that he was not certain of the effectiveness of our bombing of the North.
Just one example but telling.
And don't even get me started about specific bombing targets being approved (OR DENIED) from the oval office; or having our pilots ingress and egress North Vietnam from the exact same routes over and over, affording the North opportunities to place AAA and SAM missiles along these routes causing who knows how many unnecessary planes shot down.
The article is correct that we were scared witless of Russia and to a lesser degree, of China who were providing military aid to North Vietnam.
With a complete naval blockade of the North and a rail/road interdiction from China, that conflict would have over in 6 months or less.
LBJ never wanted to win the VietNam war. And when the Commander in Chief is wobbly, that mindset telegraphs itself throughout the Chain of Command all the way to the bottom.