One of his biggest weaknesses was political, and had disastrous consequences: John F. Kennedy lacked a firm, resolute policy on Vietnam.
He dithered, vacillated, and sent conflicting messages that betrayed tepid support for South Vietnam, and an eagerness to pull out.
His policy of gradual escalation was ineffective; he would not have been able to withdraw from South Vietnam. Had he lived, Kennedy would have had no choice but to send US combat troops there.