alternatehistory.com

April 18, 1967

Romney calls for “de-escalation” in Vietnam

Michigan Governor George Romney, currently leading in the polls among likely Republican voters, is emerging as President Johnson’s chief foil. Romney’s speech yesterday roundly criticized Johnson’s handling of the economy and his Vietnam policy.

Referring to the crisis in his own state, Romney pinned the blame for the handling of the Fermi meltdown on Johnson’s insistence on “big government” solutions. “The administration talks about a war on this and a war on that – a war on crime, a war on poverty, a war on pollution,” Romney said, adding that the Great Society was an example of “conducting a war on fiscal integrity too.” Romney accused Johnson's policies of being fiscally irresponsible. “Fiscal integrity must be restored. It is indispensable in meeting the people’s needs. Republicans know that to meet the people’s needs of the people, you must maintain fiscal soundness.” [1]

Turning to Vietnam, Romney sought to distance himself from President Johnson. He urged that South Vietnam accept more responsibility both in the fighting and in securing the country’s internal security. He said that the US is not winning the war militarily and that bombing should be confined to supply routes of the enemy in North Vietnam. He said negotiation opportunities might be enhanced by such ‘de-escalation.’ [2] Romney called for a “peace with amnesty” in South Vietnam. “All citizens would be allowed to participate in the political process, provided that they abide by the ground rules…We must learn from the lessons of this tragic war to avoid similar mistakes in the future.” [3]

The governor's stance is controversial for many in the Republican party, but has increasingly broad appeal. His speech reminded some of Robert F. Kennedy’s recent [4] comments attacking Johnson’s position on the Vietnam War.