The life of Robert McNamara, who served as Secretary of Defense under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, unfolds as a poignant American tragedy. This narrative is compellingly articulated in the new book, *McNamara at War*, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Taubman and his brother, Philip Taubman, a former Washington bureau chief for the *New York Times*. Their exploration reveals not only McNamara’s eventual isolation and strained family relationships but also his early understanding that the Vietnam War was unwinnable.
Throughout the mid-1960s, as anti-war demonstrators protested against him for his role in the Vietnam quagmire, McNamara was privately acknowledging the futility of the conflict in confidential memos and discussions. This period posed a critical dilemma for cabinet members who recognized the dangers of their president’s actions: Should they remain within the administration to influence change or resign in protest to become vocal opponents?
Until late 1967, McNamara chose to stay within the corridors of power, defining loyalty as unwavering support for the president. He often backed General William Westmoreland’s calls for troop increases in Vietnam and supported requests for additional funding from Congress to sustain the war effort. Publicly, he maintained that the war was progressing favorably, while privately, he shared the concerns of critics. In doing so, McNamara shielded President Johnson from the mounting opposition, even as the war resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of American soldiers and left the nation bitterly divided.
The Taubmans weave a riveting tale enriched by newly discovered primary documents, including private letters from Jacqueline Kennedy and a secret diary belonging to John McNaughton, McNamara’s top aide. The narrative traces McNamara’s challenging upbringing, particularly the influence of a domineering mother who pushed him to excel. His family’s move to a wealthier neighborhood in Oakland allowed him access to better educational opportunities, and he thrived as a student at Piedmont High School, graduating in 1933.
Despite his formidable intellect, McNamara also displayed a more sensitive side, developing an appreciation for poetry and striving to elevate the intellectual atmosphere within his college fraternity. At Harvard Business School, he honed his skills in quantitative analysis and went on to have a successful career in both academia and the corporate world, eventually serving as an executive at Ford Motor Company.
McNamara’s military service during World War II saw him applying his analytical skills to enhance the precision of airstrikes under General Curtis LeMay, a role that contributed to the devastating firebombing of Tokyo. Upon returning to civilian life, he faced personal challenges, including his and his wife’s battle with polio, which prompted a shift in his career as he took an executive position at Ford.
The heart of *McNamara at War* centers on his time in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. His relationship with Kennedy was strong, as the president valued McNamara’s ability to navigate complex problems, especially during critical events like the Cuban missile crisis. However, McNamara also formed a complicated bond with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, with whom he exchanged heartfelt correspondence. Speculations arise about the emotional refuge their relationship provided amidst the turbulence of their respective lives.
As the Vietnam conflict escalated, McNamara’s internal struggles intensified. By the time of Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, he was already aware of the instability in South Vietnam and recognized the necessity for the U.S. to withdraw. However, with Johnson’s ascendance to the presidency, McNamara found himself navigating a more volatile political landscape. Johnson’s unpredictable temperament made it difficult for McNamara to voice his concerns, compelling him to remain loyal even as his ethical reservations grew.
The authors detail how McNamara’s loyalty took a toll on his well-being. By late 1965, he was emotionally distressed and candidly expressed his frustrations about the war to historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. Despite his mounting doubts and the growing anti-war sentiment, McNamara continued to defend the administration’s actions, a choice that would haunt him.
In a particularly devastating chapter titled “Turning Points,” the Taubmans illustrate how McNamara supported Johnson’s decisions during critical escalations of the war. Even as he wrestled with his conscience, he remained complicit, contributing to the narrative of “McNamara’s War” that would become a rallying cry for activists against the conflict.
When McNamara finally decided to leave the administration in 1967, he accepted a position at the World Bank rather than resigning in protest, a decision criticized by many who felt he had a responsibility to speak out against the war. Decades later, when he did acknowledge his missteps, the public response was lukewarm, reflecting the long-standing consequences of his choices.
The Taubmans strive to present a more nuanced portrait of McNamara, portraying him as a man capable of empathy and warmth. However, this complexity does not absolve him of the profound guilt associated with his role in the Vietnam War. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of silence and complicity among those in power.
Ultimately, *McNamara at War* is a poignant reminder of the catastrophic impact of decisions made in the highest echelons of government. As we reflect on the lessons of history, this book becomes essential reading for anyone navigating the complexities of power in Washington today. In the end, McNamara’s tragic legacy serves as a testament to the need for accountability and courage in the face of moral dilemmas.
