Vietnam does not have an official religion. Most people are pagan or have no religious affiliation. The government discourages faith. Most of the faithful are Catholic or Buddhist.
Some of the beliefs (remarks made) from US GI's were, "they never did anything to me...", or "...when we're attacked (meaning the United States) then I'll WILLINGLY fight them!" Or, "...if they were...
The incumbent President Lyndon Johnson , was the obvious candidate, and his views on Vietnam should be obvious. Senator Eugene McCarthy from Minnesota , anti-war, was the first that dared challenge...