1:24:02
Well, he called the other day, sir.
He asked for President Harding.
1:24:08
We can have a national prayer day.
Never complain, never explain John.
1:24:11
Come on, these are not
fraternity pranks, John.
1:24:14
No, this is anarchy.
It's a revolution.
1:24:17
I wouldn't go that far, sir.
Why not?
1:24:21
Is it worth it, sir?
I mean...
1:24:23
Is the war worth a one-term presidency?
Because right now I think that's what we're looking at.
1:24:27
I will not go down as the first
American president to lose a war.
1:24:30
Going to Cambodia,
bombing Hanoi, bombing Laos...
1:24:32
...buys us time so we can get out and give
the South Vietnamese a fighting chance.
1:24:36
Exactly, sir.
If we keep our heads, we'll win this thing.
1:24:40
What, win Vietnam, sir?
No, no.
1:24:43
No, but we can drive a stake through
the heart of the Communist alliance.
1:24:48
Henry's getting strong signals
from the Chinese.
1:24:51
They fear the Vietnamese
more than the Russians...
1:24:53
...and they're worried
about a united Vietnam.
1:24:56
Now, if we stick it out,
we'll end up negotiating separately...
1:24:59
...with both the Chinese
and the Soviets.
1:25:02
And we'll get better deals
than we ever dreamed of from both.
1:25:05
That is triangular diplomacy,
gentlemen.
1:25:09
Exactly,
Mr. President.
1:25:10
That's what geopolitics
is about.
1:25:13
The linking of the whole world
for self-interest.
1:25:17
You tell me, Ron, how the hell I can explain that on TV
to a bunch of simpleminded reporters...
1:25:21
...and, uh, weeping mothers.
1:25:23
Yeah, but what am I telling
the press about Kent State?
1:25:25
Ah, tell'em what the hell you like.
They don't understand anyway.
1:25:28
Excuse me, sir.
1:25:31
Are you saying you're going
to recognize Red China?
1:25:34
That would cost us
our strongest support.
1:25:37
No, I can do this because
I spent my whole career...
1:25:40
...building anti-Communist
credentials.
1:25:42
If Kennedy or Johnson tried it, they'd
have crucified them, and rightfully so.
1:25:46
Damned risky, Mr. President.
Why don't we wait until the second term?
1:25:50
This will get us a second term, John.
This will get me a second term.
1:25:53
Damn it, without risk,
there's no heroism, there's no history.
1:25:57
Nixon was born to do this.
Give history a nudge.