Robert McNamara was key architect of war in Vietnam under two presidents . McNamara was a member of Kennedy 's inner circle during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 , when the United States and the Soviet Union stood on the brink of nuclear war . McNamara was lightning rod for his management of that war . 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 . McNamara was lightning rod for his management of that war . He was member of President Kennedy 's inner circle during Cuban Missile Crisis .