Drew Pearson, "Johnson Faces Painful Decision,”
The Washington Post,
Feb 18, 1964,

Drew Pearson, "Johnson Faces Painful Decision,”
The Washington Post,
Feb 18, 1964,

Media Interpretation
Johnson's decision to stay in Vietnam

"Though it may be denied, President Johnson is considering the painful possibility that he may have to send guerilla-trained U.S troops into the South Vietnamese jungle to help beat back the VietCong guerrillas…running the risk of another Korean-scale war…this would give President Johnson the agonizing choice of pulling out of South Vietnam or throwing United States forces into the battle to hold it. He may have to make the decision too, in the middle of the election campaign. If he pulls out, the Republicans could accuse him of giving up South Vietnam to the Communists. If he chooses to fight, the Republicans could harp the old theme that the Democratic Party is the “war party.” Long casualty lists from far-off South Vietnamese jungle will hardly be popular wight he voters. Politically My. Johnson can involve American Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, a leading Republican, in the final decision. But what would be best for the United Stats is a problem that is causing the new President to rack his soul.”

Drew Pearson, "Johnson Faces Painful Decision,” The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973), Feb 18, 1964, http://search.proquest.com/docview/142329613?accountid=9676 (accessed December 8, 2014).