[oh8eleven]

2. Got the U.S. involved in Vietnam.
That was Eisenhower, not JFK.

[hattend]

Bump for later

[MBB1984]

I guess it depends on what “involved” means. Ike had about 900 advisers there, a relatively small number and we had advisers throughout the world.

Kennedy had approximately 16,000 in 1963, and we became seriously involved.

Johnson of course, upped the amount considerably.

[Monterrosa-24]

Shaking hands with Diem does not tie our flag to Vietnam. Supporting a coup that kills Diem does tie our flag to Vietnam. Kennedy was THE absolute zip wad in dealing with SE Asia.

[snoringbear]

“2. Got the U.S. involved in Vietnam.
That was Eisenhower, not JFK.”

Ok, I'll play. Actually, it was Roosevelt. Post WWII,he wanted the French to end colonialism in Indochina. And, was insistent that this happen and intended for the U.S. to establish a trusteeship over Indochina. However, he died before the war was over. Truman, new on the job, and being somewhat more fearful of the Commies than Roosevelt allowed the French back into Indochina. Sooo, you could say it was a combination of both Roosevelt and Truman for the genesis of the 1st Vietnam War which set the table for the 2nd Vietnam War.