By Will Walldorf
It’s cynical but true: domestic politics usually play an important role in decisions by leaders of the United States to launch major wars, including the 2003 Iraq War. In 1950, reelection concerns were a big reason for President Harry Truman’s reluctant decision to send troops across the 38th parallel in the Korean War. Along with his domestic agenda, similar concerns pressed President Lyndon Johnson to escalate militarily in Vietnam in 1964 and 1965. Similarly, domestic politics stood front and center for Bush (along with many others, like House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)) with the 2003 decision to invade Iraq.
This piece was originally published in Ink Stick on March 30, 2023. Read more HERE.