There seems to be some confusion around this whole swift boat controversy.
First, the Republicans are not attacking Kerry's war record for no reason, or because they require a proven military record of all liberal candidates. Rather, they are attacking Kerry's record because Kerry has made his record the core of his candidacy, and therefore it is what his opposition has to attack in order to help Bush win.
That said, there are multiple influences at play in the anti-Kerry ad and book. First, there is indeed conservative Republican backing and encouragement. Yet, the man whose life Kerry saved, and who has stood by Kerry, is a registered Republican, so that is not enough. I do think, however, that in these times of blue state/red state, when the country is so deeply divided and very zealous about their particular party, people might be moved to do or say things they might not in more reasonable and calm circumstances.
But these men also likely share a resentment over Kerry's anti-war activities when he returned home. They feel he betrayed them. And NY Times or not, I think it is only fair to examine the record, motivations, and character of the men who are attacking Kerry, even while we examine the record, motivations, and character of Kerry himself.
Another point is that these events took place during combat, under highly stressful situations. To tear them apart with a fine-toothed comb now, from the comfort of our computer chairs, is a little unfair, whichever side you are on. I'm sure everyone involved did what they thought was best at the time, under the pressure of the moment.
Finally, and this goes both ways, for the pro-Kerry and anti-Kerry camps, the events took place in a combat situation decades ago. Anyone who says memory is reliable is lying. Memory is an unreliable and tricky thing. It is constantly changing, being modified by new knowledge, by new experiences, by dreams, by your own changing perspectives and desires. I doubt even Kerry accurately remembers exactly what took place as it actually happened, and certainly I doubt anyone not directly involved does.
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