Why The Swifboat Vets are Important

One of my collegues wishes that the Kerry's record in Viet Nam had never been raised. He is afraid that it could backfire on the Republicans. He is opposed to Kerry on other grounds, i.e. he can't answer a simple question: do you own an SUV?

There are numerous reasons for opposing Kerry or for supporting Bush. Both men will get their core consituency. Both are fighting for the undecideds.

Here are my reasons for believing that the Swiftboat vets are important to this election.

I know that you believe that the Viet Nam issues surrounding Kerry are losers for Republicans. I disagree.

First, lying about your past is something anyone can easily understand.

Second, lying about something as serious as your “hero” status, when that is virtually the only plank in your platform is also easy to understand.

The American people are not as nearly into “nuance” as political junkies. Two decades as a senator without an important piece of legislation does not disqualify you from being president. Explaining the intricacies of economic policy does not make for
winning elections.

Remember, the left has been scaring old people by telling them that Republicans will take away their social security – and doing it successfully – for as long as I have been alive.

If negative campaigning didn’t work, that old canard would have been relegated to the scrap heap long ago.

Showing that a “war hero” lied about his heroism resonates with lots of people who are undecided. It certainly helps if it happens to be true. Kerry can win if enough people want Bush out of office.

Bush’s job is to make sure that enough people don’t think that Kerry is a viable candidate.