The Art of Politics

Swift Kick In The Ass

Swift Boat Veterans for Truth sneak attack...

In an new chapter of the campaign sure to draw intense rhetoric, a group of veterans has come out against John Kerry's candidacy, and call into question Kerry's actions and service in Viet Nam.

The ad, in which various veterans who served with - but not directly under - Kerry criticize his leadership and his version of events, will be run in battleground states, and is coupled with a new book, Unfit For Command.

This is dangerous territory, for both candidates. George Bush does not want to be in the position of attacking what John Kerry did in Viet Nam - because at least he was actually in Viet Nam, which puts Bush at a disadvantage. Additionally, these types of accusations are hard to prove, or disprove on either side, and while Bush is not running this ad, nor the GOP, he will be connected to it's message, regardless.

For Kerry, it's a danger because he has predicated his appeal to voters with his Viet Nam experience. To argue the age of the information is preposterous - their claims are no fresher than Kerry's. To argue it's relevancy is equally so, as Kerry has made no secret of his service, nor of bringing it up on the stump, nor bringing Viet Nam vets who support him on the campaign trail. The best retort is the support of those he served with, and the Green Beret who's life he saved. Directly attacking those running the ad will simply add fuel to the fire. Attacking who is running the ad is equally preposterous - who could run the ad that the Kerry campaign would not object to?

The media will be disinclined to give these Swift Boat Vets much air time - unless Kerry gives them reason to.

Posted by MEC2 at August 4, 2004 06:30 PM