02-06-2014, 04:27 PM
Plus, the US made deals with Cuba and Russia over Castro. If the US broke them the Soviets might feel inclined to save face by retaliating in Europe.
In my mind the US countered the communists stepping right on to the US's doorstep in Cuba by stepping on to their doorstep in Southeast Asia and having a showdown. Cuba was right under the US. Viet Nam was right under the Chinese and Russians. In their minds Kennedy had to be pushed aside because he failed to see this imperative and Cold War solution.
In my mind the US countered the communists stepping right on to the US's doorstep in Cuba by stepping on to their doorstep in Southeast Asia and having a showdown. Cuba was right under the US. Viet Nam was right under the Chinese and Russians. In their minds Kennedy had to be pushed aside because he failed to see this imperative and Cold War solution.