#2844

Mentioned in 13 episodes

The best and the brightest

Book • 1969

This book by David Halberstam examines the decisions that led to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, particularly highlighting the roles of academics and intellectuals in President John F. Kennedy's administration.

It delves into the lives and policies of key figures such as Robert McNamara, McGeorge Bundy, and Dean Rusk, and critiques the 'whiz kids' who implemented policies that often defied common sense.

The book covers the period from 1960 to 1965 and beyond, providing a detailed account of the strategic blunders and moral crises that characterized the U.S.

involvement in Vietnam.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 13 episodes

Mentioned by

Dwarkesh Patel

in the introduction, highlighting

Dominic Cummings

's role in Brexit and as chief advisor to Boris Johnson.

241 snips

Dominic Cummings - COVID, Brexit, & Fixing Western Governance

Mentioned by

Fredrik Logevall

as a book that inspired his interest in the Vietnam War.

69 snips

176. The Vietnam War: The Rise of Ho Chi Minh

Mentioned by

Corey Robin

as a book that claims the loss of China experts led to the Vietnam War.

66 snips

Jamelle Bouie Says Your Fear of Trump Isn't Helping. Plus, Humphrey Bogart’s Betrayal.

Mentioned by Mark Moyar in the context of discussing the 1963 coup in South Vietnam.

29 snips

Ep 194: Mark Moyar on the Vietnam War

Mentioned alongside 'Dereliction of Duty' to illustrate the timid conduct of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

28 snips

Ep 226: Geoffrey Wawro on the Vietnam War

Recommended by

Matthew Hoh

to understand the American role in Iraq and Afghanistan.

28 snips

9/26/25 Matthew Hoh on the Institutionalized War State and the Disgraceful David Petraeus

Mentioned by

Zack Czajkowski

when discussing the consequences of national security decisions made by non-veterans.

22 snips

The Chaotic Funding Freeze—The Weekly Roundup

Mentioned by

Jake Tapper

when discussing a book he read in college about the architects of the Vietnam War.

14 snips

775. - Jake Tapper

Mentioned by

Mark Halperin

when discussing the Vietnam War.

12 snips

Why Stephen Miller and JD Vance Have All the Power, Plus Rand Paul's Favorite Trump Admin Disruptors

Aanbevolen door

Ewald Engelen

als een boek dat laat zien hoe vier kabinetten terecht zijn gekomen in een oorlog die ze nooit gewild hebben.

11 snips

Rellen op het Malieveld, Defensie-uitbreiding en Trump's NAVO-uitspraken | NvdW #2075

Mentioned by

Mark Halperin

to illustrate a historical reference used ironically.

Democrats "Stewing" Over Senators Defecting To End Showdown; Newsom Scolds Them For "Rolling Over"

Mentioned by

Jordan Schneider

in the context of Japan's economic rise and America's concerns in the 1980s.

AI and the Rise and Fall of Great Powers

Mentioned by

John Heilemann

when discussing the selection of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.

Tom Nichols: Incendiary Nominations, Global Conflagrations, & Presidential Pyromania

Mentioned by

Robert Rosenberg

as a book that helped him understand his mistakes and the importance of humility and emotional intelligence.

392: Robert Rosenberg - Leadership Lessons From The Former CEO Of Dunkin Donuts

Mentioned by

Peter Hamby

in reference to Leanne Caldwell, who he says is the best and the brightest.

The Epstein Mutiny & G.O.P. Healthcare Headaches

Mentioned as a book by David Halberstam that offers an explanation as to why the national security apparatus functions so badly.

Philip Taubman and William Taubman: McNamara at War

Mentioned by

Christine Brennan

as having written 'The Best and the Brightest'.

Christine Brennan: Caitlin Clark’s Culture Wars & the WNBA’s Cluelessness

Mentioned by

Lachlan Peters

when making the point that the Vietnam War was never the top priority for the Americans.

S3 Ep1: The Invasion - Part One: Counting Bodies Floating Down the Mekong

Mentioned as an important book about an elite leadership class during the Cold War.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice? American Politics from Buckley to Trump (w/ Sam Tanenhaus)

Recommended by

Jacob Shapiro

for its insights into the foreign policy culture and technocratic hubris created by JFK.

Starting Five: US Presidents

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