Revealing a "Bright, Shining Lie" in Vietnam
Journalist Neil Sheehan covered the Vietnam War, and published the leaked Pentagon Papers. His new book is about Lt. Col. John Paul Vann, who served in the war and grew frustrated with Army and political leadership. Vann was an invaluable source to the press during that time.
Guest
Host
Related Topics
Other segments from the episode on October 17, 1988
Erasing Charlie Parker's Contradictions
Clint Eastwood's biopic Bird delves deep into the personal life and legend of Charlie Parker. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the story fails to connect these often tumultuous moments with the genius of Parker's music.
A Rock Singer Finds Her Own Voice
Marti Jones has preferred to perform and record songs written by other artists; now, she's starting to flex her own songwriting muscles with her partner, guitarist Don Dixon. Her latest album is called Used Guitars.
The Best New Sitcom Since the Cosby Show
Roseanne was created by the same producers who pitched The Cosby Show to networks. The new sitcom is also helmed by a standup comedian. But instead of an upper class black family, Roseanne Barr's show features a working class white family. TV critic David Bianculli says Barr's jokes hit home, bolstered by costar John Goodman, who plays Roseanne's husband.
Transcript
Transcript currently not available.
Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.
You May Also like
Writer and Journalist Neil Sheehan Returns to Vietnam
Sheehan won a Pulitzer Prize for his best-selling book, "A Bright Shining Lie," about America's disastrous involvement in Vietnam. He was Vietnam correspondent for the New York Times during the war, and was the man who broke the Pentagon Papers story. His new book, "After the War was Over" is about his trip to Vietnam three years ago, the first time he'd been back since the fall of Saigon in 1975.
Remembering Max Cleland, former Georgia senator and Vietnam veteran
Cleland was a decorated Army veteran who lost three limbs while serving in Vietnam. After the the war, he dedicated his life to public service. He died Nov. 9. Originally broadcast in 2009.
Tim O'Brien On Late-In-Life Fatherhood And The Things He Carried From Vietnam
O'Brien reflects on writing, mortality and his experiences in Vietnam in the new documentary, The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien.