Lyndon B. Johnson

====1964====
In August 1964, allegations arose from the military that two U.S. destroyers had been attacked by [[North Vietnam]]ese torpedo boats in international waters {{convert|40|mi|km}} from the [[Vietnam]]ese coast in the [[Gulf of Tonkin]]; naval communications and reports of the attack were contradictory. Although Johnson wanted to keep discussions about Vietnam out of the [[1964 United States presidential election|1964 presidential campaign]], he felt obligated to respond, and sought and obtained from [[United States Congress|Congress]] the [[Gulf of Tonkin Resolution]] on August 7. Johnson was determined to embolden his image on foreign policy, and also wanted to prevent criticism, as [[Harry S. Truman|Truman]] received by proceeding without congressional endorsement of military action in the [[Korean War]]. Responding to the purported attack also blunted campaign criticism of Johnson's perceived weakness, which was the political messaging of [[Barry Goldwater]], Johnson's [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] opponent. The resolution gave congressional approval for use of military force by the commander-in-chief to repel future attacks and also to assist members of [[SEATO]] requesting assistance. Johnson later in the campaign expressed assurance that the primary U.S. goal remained the preservation of [[South Vietnam]]'s independence through material and advice, as opposed to any offensive posture.<ref>{{harvnb|Dallek|1998|pp=144–155}}</ref> The public's reaction to the resolution at the time was positive—48&nbsp;percent favored stronger measures in Vietnam and only 14&nbsp;percent wanted to negotiate a settlement and leave.<ref name="Dallek 1998, p. 157"/>

In the 1964 presidential campaign, Johnson restated his determination to provide measured support for Vietnam while avoiding another Korea, but privately had a sense that no matter what he did, things were likely to end badly. He had great passion for his [[Great Society]] agenda, and he even felt that his political opponents favored greater intervention in Vietnam to divert attention and resources away from his War on Poverty. The situation on the ground was aggravated in the fall by additional [[Viet Minh]] attacks on U.S. ships in the Tonkin Gulf, and an attack on [[Bien Hoa Air Base]] in South Vietnam.<ref>{{harvnb|Dallek|1998|p=240}}</ref> Johnson decided against retaliatory action after consultation with the Joint Chiefs and after public pollster [[Louis Harris|Lou Harris]] confirmed that his decision would not detrimentally impact him in the 1964 presidential election.<ref>{{harvnb|Dallek|1998|p=241}}</ref> By the end of 1964, there were approximately 23,000 military personnel in South Vietnam; U.S. casualties for 1964 totaled 1,278.<ref name="Vietnam War"/>

Over the winter of 1964 and 1965, Johnson was pressured by the military to begin a bombing campaign to forcefully resist a communist takeover in South Vietnam. A plurality in the polls at the time was in favor of military action, with only 26 to 30&nbsp;percent opposed.<ref>{{harvnb|Dallek|1998|p=244}}</ref> Johnson revised his priorities, and a new preference for stronger action came at the end of January, along with another change of the government in [[South Vietnam]]. Johnson agreed with [[McGeorge Bundy]] and McNamara that a continued passive role would lead to defeat and humiliation. Johnson said, "Stable government or no stable government in Saigon we will do what we ought to do. I'm prepared to do that; we will move strongly. General [[Nguyễn Khánh]] [head of the new government] is our boy".<ref>{{harvnb|Dallek|1998|p=247}}</ref>