sKerry was "an idiot" (to quote tahrayzah) for doing that. I think his calculation was that he was going to play up his Vietnam "service", so that W would be unable to criticize his anti-war record. He kinda forgot about all those Vietnam veterans he slandered. Payback is h*ll. Also, sKerry is about the most inherently unlikable politician in history. I think that he actually beats Sore Loserman in that category.
I agree. He looked at Bush and thought that he didnt have to worry about a military challenge. But when he heard of the SBVs book coming out, he failed to make the proper adjustments to his convention.
Irrespective of his medal exaggeration and war protest in the 70s, he shouldnt be commander and chief just for that.