Synopsis
"Say We Won and Get Out: George D. Aiken and the Vietnam War" by Stephen C. Terry is a comprehensive exploration of Senator George D. Aiken’s role in shaping U.S. policy during the Vietnam War. Aiken, a Republican senator from Vermont, is perhaps best remembered for his early and vocal opposition to the escalating military involvement in Vietnam, advocating for a peaceful resolution long before it became a mainstream sentiment. Terry’s book provides an in-depth look at Aiken’s political career, his evolving stance on Vietnam, and the larger political and military context of the time.
Aiken’s opposition to the Vietnam War was grounded in a pragmatic understanding of the geopolitical realities of the situation, but it also reflected his deep commitment to American democracy and his sense of moral responsibility. The book traces Aiken’s transformation from a staunch Cold Warrior, initially supportive of U.S. intervention in Southeast Asia, to a prominent critic of the war. He proposed what came to be known as the "Aiken Plan," which called for the United States to begin negotiating with North Vietnam and other parties to bring the war to a close, advocating for a negotiated settlement rather than the continuation of an increasingly futile military engagement.
Terry also highlights Aiken’s internal conflicts, particularly the tension between his loyalty to the Republican Party and his growing skepticism toward the Johnson and Nixon administrations’ handling of the war. Despite his dissenting views, Aiken remained a steadfast member of the political establishment and continued to wield considerable influence. The book delves into his efforts to balance his personal convictions with his political pragmatism, and the difficult decisions he faced in the context of national and international pressure.
The narrative also reflects on the broader public and political response to Aiken’s stance on Vietnam. Aiken’s position was often unpopular, and his warnings were largely ignored by the political establishment for much of the conflict. However, as the war progressed and casualties mounted, his arguments gained more attention, particularly after the Tet Offensive of 1968 and the subsequent disillusionment with the war effort. Terry’s analysis provides insight into how Aiken’s perspective was shaped not only by his personal beliefs but also by his understanding of the limitations of U.S. power in Southeast Asia.
Through careful research and an accessible writing style, Terry’s book offers a critical reexamination of Aiken’s role in the Vietnam War. "Say We Won and Get Out" is not just a biography of a single senator, but also a reflection on the complexities of American foreign policy during one of the most contentious periods in U.S. history. It underscores the importance of dissenting voices in shaping policy and offers a sobering critique of the way the Vietnam War unfolded.