Question

Senator George McGovern (D-SD) speaking on the Senate floor on April 25, 1967 “We seem bent upon saving the Vietnamese from Ho Chi Minh, even if we have to kill them and demolish their country to do it. I do not intend to remain silent in the face of what I regard as a policy of madness which, sooner or later, will envelop my son and American youth by the millions for years to come.” —Senator George McGovern (D-SD) Question What is the Senators stance on the USA’s involvement in the Vietnam war? Use quotes from the speech above to support your answer. (5 points)

Answer 1

Senator George McGovern's stance on the USA's involvement in the Vietnam War is clearly critical and opposed. He expresses deep concern about the impact of the war on both the Vietnamese people and American youth. His statement, “We seem bent upon saving the Vietnamese from Ho Chi Minh, even if we have to kill them and demolish their country to do it,” illustrates his belief that the U.S. actions are counterproductive and destructive. He characterizes the policy as one of “madness,” indicating his view that the war is irrational and harmful not only to the Vietnamese but also to Americans. Furthermore, he warns that such a policy will inevitably affect “my son and American youth by the millions for years to come,” emphasizing the long-term consequences of the war on future generations. Through these quotes, it is evident that McGovern strongly opposes the U.S. involvement in Vietnam and considers it a misguided and dangerous endeavor.