The election process, including the Swift Boat ads, is a vetting process for the presidency of the U.S. Americans have a right to speak, be heard and then to vote. Carry on.
Undeniable.That said, their campaign is quixiotic because the PR establishment is dead set against their position (no need for tin foil, just discussing the facts).
Bush/Rove have to crack this nut differently. Not by questioning Kerry's medals and thereby hyping their significance, but by dramatizing just how many men have more time in theater and greater claim to have their valor taken seriously.
Even if there are gaping holes in Kerry's story, that will not damage his campaign like an understanding of the essential triviality of his entire campaign would. The truth is that he is running as the only American war hero - he has trashed all other Vietnam vets except as they support him, and he has never accorded any particular respect to any other vet or active duty military either. And he can't, because he is runnng for president on his military record and his record if taken at face value is actually mediocre.
The word "snob" is derived from an abbreviation denoting a student not entitled to a title of nobility, remarkable in an institution where almost all others did have them. Such kids tended to put on airs to compensate. John Kerry is putting on airs of entitlement to respect on the basis of a mediocre record of valor. In that position he cannot freely accord credit even to a Medal of Honor winner - and he perforce must positively disdain a mere weekend warrior - even a fighter pilot like President Bush.
All Rove has to do is maneuver Kerry into a position to where he acts natural on live nationwide TV, and the election is won. Because John Kerry is a snob.