American public for one reason. Vietnam. Johnson is the president identified with the vietnam war, although there is a famous quote from october 13, 1967 where he said to a journalist, this is not Lyndon Johnsons war. This is americas war. If i drop dead tomorrow, this war still be here. He was right. But the way it was fought has been ascribed to Lyndon Johnson. It is considered his tragedy, failure, the trail, depending on your position of the spectrum. There are two books both entitled Lyndon Johnsons war, and both advancing compelling if contradictory analyses of the reasons behind the series of decisions made between 1964 and 1868 that led to justification for escalating the war, the gulf incident of 1964, the first landing of u. S. Combat troops to defend the base in 1965, the stepped up escalation of forces in the country over the next two years until the total was greater than half a million men, the changeover from based security to enclave security, to finally what was called
Influenced johnsons desire to be seen as a strong, confident foreignpolicy president. Welcome. Todays subject is Lyndon Johnson. He is best member for one reason. Vietnam. Johnson is the president identified with the vietnam war, although there is a famous quote from october 13, 1967 where he said to a journalist, this is not Lyndon Johnsons war. This is americas war. If i drop dead tomorrow, this war. Still be here. He was right. But the way it was fought has been ascribed to Lyndon Johnson. It is considered his tragedy, failure, the trail, depending on your position of the spectrum. There are two books both entitled Lyndon Johnsons war, and both advancing compelling if contradictory analyses of the reasons behind the series of decisions made between 1964 and 1868 that led to justification for escalating the war, the gulf incident of 1964, the first landing of u. S. Combat troops to defend the base in 1965, the stepped up escalation of forces in the country over the next two years unt
[inaudible conversations]. That is autor j. D. Vance, hillbilly elegy. Bestseller the past year or so, talking about 25 minutes. The next author at National Book festival will beonal b New York Times columnist, tom friedman. Thank you for being late. That is his latest book. Were pleased to be joined here at the Washington Convention center, historian, David Mccullough. His most recent book american spirit, who we are, what we stand for. If you live in the east and central time zones an want to talk to mr. Mccullough, 2027482001. For those in the mountain and pacific time zones. Youre familiar with his work. Familiar with all his book. John adams, harry truman. Johnson flood. The wright brothers. That is couple of the books hes. Has written. American in paris. The greater journey is the name of that book. You know what you want to ask him. Were here to to facilitate that conversation. At jenette in sarasota, florida, youre on booktv with historian David Mccullough. Caller good morning,