ABSTRACT
The nature and effect of media coverage of the Vietnam War is a source of contention. Some have argued that the media played a significant part in foiling the US military and political effort by undermining support for the war at home. Domestic politics in the United States played a fundamental role in defining the nature and scope of the conflict. The antiwar movement, in particular, was to have a decisive impact upon the pursuit of the war and ultimately brought about a re-evaluation of American participation in the struggle against North Vietnam and the National Liberation Front. The mechanics of the decisionmaking system narrowed and restricted US policy in Vietnam so that alternatives were not considered and so that individuals involved in formulating policy exerted a strong and often negative influence which discouraged reappraisals. A fundamental tenet of the American constitution is that the president and Congress, termed the executive and legislative branches respectively, are cast in adversarial roles.
