My column in today’s paper delves into the advertising campaign by Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Mainly, I address the veracity – or lack thereof – of their commercials dealing with John Kerry’s actions while in Vietnam.
It should be noted that since my drafting of this piece, the campaign as shifted from questioning Kerry’s actions while serving, to addressing his actions upon returning home. This changes the debate ever so slightly because the veracity of the claims being made is no longer in question: Kerry’s anti-war comments are well-documented on film.
It is interesting to see this shift in the campaign against Kerry by the 527 group. They appear to have used questionable events to establish a robust – and noted – name. Now that the spotlight is theirs, they are apparently being careful to cite incidents in which their credibility cannot be questioned. It is a deft political move on their part, and one Mr. Kerry should have trouble countering at this juncture.