Historian Ellen Hammer reflects on President Kennedy's deep emotional response to the assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem, the first Catholic leader of Vietnam. She notes that Kennedy felt shaken and depressed because Diem's death was directly linked to a policy he had authorized as the first American Catholic president. This connection weighed heavily on him, highlighting the complexities of foreign policy and its consequences.

Despite the awareness of Diem's tyranny, Kennedy empathized with him and his brother Nhu, recognizing the difficult circumstances they faced while trying to lead their country. He believed they acted in what they thought was the best interest of Vietnam, which illustrates Kennedy's nuanced understanding of leadership and governance in challenging environments.