"This book examines the events that led up to the day--March 31, 1968--when Lyndon Johnson dramatically renounced any attempt to be reelected president of the United States. It offers one of the best descriptions of U.S. policy surrounding the Tet offensive of that fateful March--a historic turning point in the war in Vietnam that led directly to the end of American military intervention."--Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

Introduction -- The decision to intervene, 1964-1965 -- The search for a strategic concept, 1965-1967 -- The eve of Tet -- The Tet Offensive and United States reaction -- Emergency augmentation -- The troop request -- The Clifford task force: A-to-Z reassessment -- The President ponders -- The climate of opinion -- Politics and economics -- End of a strategy -- The wise men -- The President makes a decision -- Continuity or change? -- Explaining the decision-making process -- Appendixes.