S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how McNamara's loyalty to LBJ even extended to acting as a political spy, repo

The John Batchelor Show · Jul 6, 2026 · 8m

Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how McNamara's loyalty to LBJ even extended to acting as a political spy, reporting on the Kennedys' private intentions during the 1964 election to soothe the president's insecurities. Meanwhile, he maintained a loving relationship with Jackie Kennedy, who viewed him as a father figure for her children while simultaneously pounding on his chest and begging him to "end the slaughter" in Vietnam. This dual existence saw him serve as the architect of the war by day while sharing anti-war sentiments with Jackie in private. McNamara at War: A New…