[RichardW]

"Good. Where have you placed today's goalposts?"

Somebody made the point here that this was a mountain out of a molehill (paraphrasing) and that there was no reason for the liberal press to be hammering on this subject. I would ask this. If it weren't a big deal why is everyone here so apopletic. My point all along, in case anyone missed it, is that if a candidate is defending his records he is not on the attack. A defensive candidate is going to lose an election everytime because he can't get his own message out.

But to answer the specific question posed, I would say to put this to bed with finality, it would be a good thing if someone who actually served with him in Alabama would come forth and say clearly, yes he was there. Am I wrong?

[Petronski]

If it weren't a big deal why is everyone here so apopletic.

It's not a big deal because he completed his service and this issue was put to rest by the Boston Globe four years ago. Any apoplexy is a result of frustration with the Dems' continuing lies/smear on this already-resolved issue.

[kabar]

But to answer the specific question posed, I would say to put this to bed with finality, it would be a good thing if someone who actually served with him in Alabama would come forth and say clearly, yes he was there. Am I wrong?

In a word, yes. You are never going to satisfy the Dems and their lackeys in the media on this issue. It is not a matter of facts, but as you correctly observe, putting the Reps on the defensive and drawing the comparison between Kerry's war record and GWB's service, which is where the Dems think they have the advantage. If someone came forth from Alabama, the media will do a thorough vetting of the person's credibility, etc. You will never put an end to this story until the Dems decide it is not in their best interest to do so.

[MJY1288]

"But to answer the specific question posed, I would say to put this to bed with finality, it would be a good thing if someone who actually served with him in Alabama would come forth and say clearly, yes he was there. Am I wrong?"

Pssssst, They're calling for you over at DU, it seems you've won a lifetime membership

[Tallguy]

If it weren't a big deal why is everyone here so apopletic.

That's easy! This type of allegation isn't aimed at the general public -- it's aimed at conservative, Republican voters.

An effective counterattack will be to point out that Sen. Kerry voted in favor of the Patriot Act and the Use of Force. Those 2 items will stick in any liberal Dems craw. If enough of the liberals fall away from Kerry you could see a nasty convention fight or a Dean 3rd Party Candidacy -- either outcome favors the Republicans.

[cyncooper]

If it weren't a big deal why is everyone here so apopletic.

I am enraged that the media (the dems are par for the course) dropped all pretense, and decided to attack (yes, attack) a good and decent man who served years ago in the Air National Guard, received an honorable discharge, and provided documents over the years regarding that service, and they are treating him like a criminal.

When we observe the media ignore issues surrounding a democrat that ought to receive this type of scrutiny, it is infuriating.

Do not confuse that with saying President Bush should not be asked about his service. The point is he's been asked....and asked....and asked...and asked. Also has provided documents. They are seeking to trump something up against him, plain and simple.

[alnick]

If it weren't a big deal why is everyone here so apopletic.

BECAUSE LIARS GET UNDER OUR SKIN.