Vice-President Lyndon Johnson.

Whatever you think of his politics, surely you can agree
that when President Kennedy wanted a space program
to beat the Russians it wasn't NASA administrator's
James Webb's political power or influence that brought
about Project Apollo...It was LBJ's political influence
that steered Kennedy to make that choice.

James Webb had no political power as head of NASA.
Instead, he made suggestions to LBJ, and LBJ
passed them on to JFK.
The American people in 1961 were worried about Russia's
rocketry and space activities...The US Congress likewise.
Both were in the mood in 1961 to agree to Kennedy's plan.

What about 1969 after Apollo 11? Look what happened?
NASA administrator Thomas Paine wanted moon bases,
a manned mission to Mars....
The American public responded by saying....NO!
Congress also said.... NO!...and they cut NASA's budget.
Nixon had no choice but to agree with the people & the Congress and cut NASA's budget!
Mr. Paine had no choice but to agree...cancel the moonbase plan
and manned Mars project...and accepting a Space Shuttle project
instead which Congress barely funded.

So whose to blame there, EP?
The American people?
The Congress?

STOP BLAMING THE NASA ADMINISTRATORS!!!!