We need to dismiss the swiftboat wannabes..

[question everything]

I think that Kerry should just say something like: I served my country in Vietnam and I have the records to prove it. While there, I demonstrated my ability to lead.

What matters now, however, is not a war from 35 years ago but the war right now, where most of us don't know anymore why we went there in the first place and why we are still there.

What matters now is the livelihood of American citizens: their right to be secure in their homes, with adequate jobs, health care now and when they are old and weak.

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I think that the RWers hit a spot when they ask why we concentrate on a war from the previous century. And Kerry should jump right in and say - yeah, I too, wonder about this. Let's talk about now and the future of this century and beyond. And if pressed, he, and we, say that the reference to Vietnam is a matter of character - remember how "character" was important for the pugs during the 2000 campaign?

I think that running to the federal agencies and complaining is a waste of time and is not productive. Just put them in their place, dismiss them, and, yes, move on.

One main point, and I hope Kerry has a really very good answer - is what Bush asked him a couple of weeks ago: knowing what you know now, would you still vote for the IWR? Whatever his answer, it has to be short and to the point and finite.

[ochazuke]

1. This is a great opportunity

Grab these little rats by their tails and hold them up until the media must call them what they are and identify what they are doing.

Make this the centerpiece of the Bush campaign. Tie it to them. Swift Boat Liars = Bush.

Tired of dirty politics? It's because smear campaigns weren't "dignified" by the attention of the victims before that they had their desired effect. So, if we just dismiss them and move on, not only will Kerry probably lose, the attacks will come back all the stronger in the next election.