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Clarity. It should have been stated very clearly that the North Vietnamese Navy engaged the destroyer USS Maddox with torpedoes and gunfire on 02 August 1964 in the Tonkin Gulf. And that a second naval battle occurred on 04 August 1964 involving the destroyers USS Turner Joy & Maddox (again).

It's quite possible that the above was stated; but reporters focused on the 04 date which was in question...leading to investigation and rumor...which got out of hand...leading to today's 21st century controversy. Both the NVN & USN agree that it was Tonkin Ghosts (radar images) on 04 August. But that wasn't a 100% confirmed fact on 07 August 1964 when the resolution was approved.

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Q: Gulf of Tonkin Incident illustrates what about public opinion?
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The Gulf of Tonkin incident illustrates what about public opinion?

That it's just an opinion. Politicians will do as they deem necessary in order to retain their positions (jobs). As an old 1960s song went regarding politicians, "I'm swaying to the left...now I'm swaying to the right...I'd like to help ya son...but your too young to vote!"


What event inspired an increase in public support for the war in Vietnam?

The Gulf of Tonkin "Incident".


Why did so much of the American public and many in the Johnson administration support the early escalation of the war?

The Tonkin Gulf Incident swung public opinion behind LBJ. A US service vessel had been attacked in international waters. This later came under suspicion.


Which three major events were responsible for undermining American public support for the Vietnam War?

The Kent State Incident, The Tet Offensive and The Gulf of Tonkin Resolutions


When media impact on public opinion be strongest?

When an incident/happening affects common people the most and the media jumps with right earnest for the cause, it facilitates in creating strongest public opinion.


How did president Johnson mislead the American public on the attack in the Gulf of Tonkin?

Because the public became confused about what happened. When they found out the truth, they thought that they were lied to. It didn't sink in that there had been two naval battles; one real and one a radar malfunction (referred to as radar ghosts; and in the Tonkin Gulf...they called them "Tonkin Ghosts"). It also didn't help when the Johnson administration called the whole thing a "Tonkin Gulf INCIDENT", which inferred..."We're going to start a conventional war with North Vietnam over an incident?!" Translation; there should be a better reason to sacrifice 58,000 dead Americans than over an INCIDENT. So if the administration had used the terms "naval battles" or "naval engagements" or "sea battles", and mentioned the 02 August 1964 sea battle instead of the 04 August 1964 INCIDENT...then the American public might have understood better and there would have been no controversy over the matter.


In 1898 newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst stated to a reporter You furnish the pictures I'll furnish the war This quotation illustrates?

# influential role of the press in affecting public opinion # influential role of the press in affecting public opinion


What action best illustrates how the media can influence public opinion in the US?

The broadcast media influences public opinion in the US by being biased, not reporting all of the news but only reporting what they want the public to know, and by reporting false news.The entertainment media influences public opinion because too many people believe that what they see on television or in the movies is real.


What effect did the gulf of tonkin have on support?

"...effect...on support?" Unclear on the question. The Tonkin Gulf Incident consisted of two naval battles in the Gulf of Tonkin in August 1964. One was an actual naval battle fought between the North Viet Navy & US Navy. The other may have been a radar malfunction. Result: Open warfare between the US and North Vietnam. Sorry i meant as in support for the war among the American public.


What is true about public opinion?

issues of public opinion are related to public affairs


What situation best illustrates the problem of selection bias in public opinion polling?

A polling company attempts to predict the outcome of a presidential election, but only contacts people who subscribe to major political journals.


Why is the opinion of the public about a popular movie or television program not a good example of public opinion?

why is the opinion of the public about a popular movie or television program not a good example of public opinion?