A Classic Mistake

Never give an opponent something to hang you with...

Every speech, every commercial, every piece of campaign literature supporting John Kerry's presidential bid mentions his time in Vietnam. Kerry has made those four months and 12 days (from more than three decades ago) the experience he seems to believe qualifies him to be Commander-in-Chief. By putting his Vietnam military experience out there, though, he opened the door for public scrutiny and investigation of that record. And did it ever come.

Now that Kerry's record is being dissected and studied, a clearer and more truthful picture of his time in 'Nam is coming to light. The trouble for Kerry... the picture isn't too flattering. Kerry's fellow Swift Boat officers from Vietnam have spoken out in loud, strong numbers against him. They contradict the story he tells about his service, and they challenge him to prove his claims. I've mentioned their TV commercial previously (which everyone should see).

Kerry is now trying to silence his critics. He has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) over the Swift Vets commercial. He's called on President Bush to condemn the ad and demand it be pulled.

This is so typical of the flip-flopping Snator from Tax-achusetts. He wants to run on his military record, but wants to prohibit any investigation or discussion of that record.