Robert McNamara was key architect of war in Vietnam under two presidents . The Soviets withdrew the missiles in exchange for a U.S. guarantee not to invade Cuba , a step that allowed Soviet premier Nikita Kruschev to present the pullback as a success to his own people . Comment: He was member of President Kennedy 's inner circle during Cuban Missile Crisis .
Robert McNamara was key architect of war in Vietnam under two presidents . Comment: He was member of President Kennedy 's inner circle during Cuban Missile Crisis .