Foreign policy wins fortify the president against Vietnam-era criticism of Democrats . Analyst : The campaign against Kerry coined the phrase `` swift-boating '' in reference to an acute , partisan and not necessarily truthful political attack . The Vietnam War was a disaster for America, but it also strengthened President Johnson's reputation as an effective leader who could handle foreign affairs and domestic problems. Domestic woes may trump foreign policy successes , however .
Foreign policy wins fortify the president against Vietnam-era criticism of Democrats . Analyst : The Vietnam War was a disaster for America, but it also strengthened President Johnson's reputation as an effective leader who could handle foreign affairs and domestic problems. Domestic woes may trump foreign policy successes , however .