They took the bait.
You're right-- this could backfire on them spectacularly!!!!!
Attacks on the Swift Boat Vets will backfire on the Rats.
Given a proper public airing, it nukes Kerry's campaign in one shot.
I was disgusted by the cavalier manner with which this was dismissed by Brit Hume, among others who claim to be interested in the truth. It reminded me of the Clinton impeachment whitewash. The accused was dead to rights, but everyone stuck their fingers in their ears because of the supposed ramifications.
Honestly, it would be disservice to honest Democrats to have a candidate lined up who is persoally damaged. I would rather see a race decided on the ideological merits. But when the personal negatives are covered up from day one, or simply ignored, such is the risk they took.
If Hillary Clinton does have sympathetic hands on the levers of media power, the Kerry campaign is now hers for destroying whenever she chooses.
As more specific details of this story emerge, and these vets defend themselves, it could get real ugly for Kerry.
So far this looks like the most disgraceful media coverup I've ever witnessed.