The Vietnam War:

Cronkite's coverage of the Vietnam War was arguably the most impactful of his career. Initially supportive of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Cronkite's perspective began to shift as the conflict dragged on and casualties mounted. In 1968, following the Tet Offensive, Cronkite traveled to Vietnam to see the situation firsthand.

Upon his return, Cronkite delivered a special report on February 27, 1968, that would become one of the most famous broadcasts in television history. In this editorial, Cronkite declared that the war had reached a stalemate and suggested that negotiation might be a better option than continued escalation. He concluded by saying, "It is increasingly clear to this reporter that the only rational way out then will be to negotiate, not as victors, but as an honorable people who lived up to their pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could."