The Vietnam War required us to emphasize the national interest rather than abstract principles. What President Nixon and I tried to do was unnatural. And that is why we didn't make it.

Summary

This quote reflects the perspective that during the Vietnam War, the focus was placed more on protecting the national interest of the United States rather than prioritizing abstract principles. The speaker, referring to "President Nixon and I," suggests that they attempted to do something unconventional or opposed to the natural order of things. However, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, implying that their approach may have been incompatible with the complex and challenging nature of the war.

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