[Behind Liberal Lines]

Kerry now has soundbites for an ad in which he can say that "even George Bush has attacked the Swift Boat Vets...even George Bush says Kerry 'served admirably...He ought to be proud of his record.'"

By giving Kerry these sound bites, the President has helped marginalize the Swift Boat Vets.

What Bush should have said was "I am calling for an end to all unfair advertising and ask that my opponent do likewise" and shut up.

[goldstategop]

The President did nothing of the sort. He agreed with Kerry on process but not on substance. He NEVER said the Swifties are wrong. In fact Bush called for end to ALL negative attacks. The Democrats won't agree to halt them, since this means forfeiting Soros' billions. But the point the President made was, I tried my best to extend my hand to bring about a more elevated debate and my opponent spurned me. And the public will agree.

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

Two problems: 1) the vets are not running for any office; 2) Kerry is limited to spending campaign dollars to attacking the VETS. Meawhile, that is merely a process attack, not a substance attack. GWB never passed judgment on the credibility of the VETS. Meanwhile, Kerry has no defense for SBVfT ads detailing his antiwar activity. Kerry is boxed in.

[WOSG]

What Bush should have said was "I am calling for an end to all unfair advertising and ask that my opponent do likewise" and shut up. Bush pretty much said exactly that.