So how did it alter the balance of power, then? The only argument I can see for it is the one the author is railing against. I don't think the argument here i

So how did it alter the balance of power, then? The only argument I can see for it is the one the author is railing against. I don't think the argument here is that Kennedy shouldn't have done anything about the missiles in Cuba. Clearly, for political reasons if nothing else, it was necessary. But as pointed out, he could have scored just as many points by agreeing publicly to a mutual reduction instead. Then he can not only go on TV and tell Americans that his stalwart determination rescued America from a grave threat, but he can also claim to have reduced overall tensions. If he wants to, he can even claim that the entire purpose of the Jupiters all along was to serve as a bargaining chip should such a situation arise (if you're going to lie, you may as well tell the lies that help you most). It would have been a fitting prelude to Reagan.