Former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, who served two presidents (Kennedy and Johnson), often provoked great controversy during his tenure. A product of World War II, McNamara was involved in some of the most important national security decisions that shaped World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the war in Vietnam. Some argue that his worldview and decision-making is that of a bygone era—that McNamara’s thinking does not apply to 21st-century problems. Others believe that today’s world could use another Robert McNamara.
- In your opinion, is McNamara a “good guy” or a “bad guy?” Why or why not?
