First off, what does the space program have to do with going to war? Why must it be one or the other? Yes it was a national tragedy, but it does not preclude defending ourselves from a tyrant.

Second, as should be obvious from above, Not everyone shares your views on going to war. I feel it is neessary. Furthermore I do not feel that it is about oil, either.

Lastly, there is not much a president can do to "help" the space program other than allocate funding, and support it publicly. Both of these are being done.