John, in truth the USA had every intention of escalating that war regardless of who won the '64 election. I'm sure the Democrats knew that, but they did some convenient posturing as "moderates" to get themselves elected, that's all. They correctly read the public mood of the time. The Republicans might have turned out worse, but I don't necessarily think so. Both those parties stand for the same corporate/military/industrial backing interests, they just pretend to offer alternatives at election time. It's like a football game...flashy entertainment to delude the masses.

Likewise, the USA had every intention of remaining in Iraq and expanding its military presence in the Middle East, regardless of whether Kerry or Bush won the last election. These things are decided long before they ever happen.