Political machines started as grass roots organizations to gain the patronage needed to win the modern election. Having strong patronage, these "clubs" were the main driving force in gaining and getting out the "straight party vote" in the election districts.
They were striking a blow for freedom against imperialism(b)
The Vietcong were rebels in South Vietnam who wanted to "<span>unify the South and North under a Communist government". They were great rivals of both the US and the South Vietnamese governments. </span>