George McGovern had the distinct advantage of being a TRUE war hero. Thus his anti-war stands had the ring of credibility.
Kerry's heroics are in the realm of fiction.
He also had the advantage of running on what he actually believed -- saved time trying to coordinate lies.
George McGovern had the distinct advantage of being a TRUE war hero.
The Wild Blue : The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45
by Stephen E. Ambrose
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743203399/102-6012319-4346535?v=glance
(snip)
South Dakota-born George S. McGovern was 22 when he became a B-24 pilot in the 741st Bomb Squadron, based in Cerignola, Italy
(note he flew 35 missions)