Walter Cronkite Calls for the U.S. to Get Out of Vietnam

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news broadcast, Vietnam War, Walter Cronkite

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In the aftermath of trip to Vietnam, Walter Cronkite made a special appearance on CBS News’ broadcast titled “Report from Vietnam: Who, What, When, Where, Why?” where he famously delivered his verdict of the war. Cronkite stated, “[I]t seems now more certain than ever that the bloody experience of Vietnam is to end in a stalemate . . . [I]t is increasingly clear to this reporter that the only rational way out then will be to negotiate, not as victors, but as an honorable people who lived up to their pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could.”

This marked a significant shift for Cronkite, as he departed from his initial objectivity and took a clear stance on the war. In the verdict, he exposed the brutal reality that he witnessed during his time in Vietnam, debunking the government’s narrative of American victory. He predicted that the war would end in a stalemate as both sides would suffer heavy casualties and losses. Therefore, Cronkite believed that the US must end the war in Vietnam with a peaceful negotiation.

Cronkite’s verdict and CBS News’ special report on the Vietnam War had a profound impact on the American people, especially those who had supported the war due to their belief in the government’s narrative. This also changed the American political scene, as President Johnson recognized the influence of Cronkite’s report, stating “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost Middle America.” Antiwar sentiment gained momentum in Congress, with Congressmen increasingly advocating for peace and attacking the administration for prolonging the war.

By August 1968, the Gallup, an organization gauging American public opinion, documented a significant plunge in the number of war supporters compared to the first half of the year. It reflects a notable evolution of American people’s opinions on the war happening in Vietnam.