The definition of "swift boating"

politicalgateway.com ^ | 1/25/2007 | Andy Martin

[Lee'sGhost]

Yesterday FReeper Dark Skies posted an editorial by Andy Martin from Political Gateway with the following lead comment:

“Swift boating" is a term that came into use during the 2004 presidential election to reflect Senator John Kerry’s flaccid response to attacks on his wartime record in Viet-Nam. The term, a noun, adjective and verb, has entered the political lexicon and is usually invoked when liberals and Democrats are stung trying to defend themselves against unpleasantly truthful accusations hurled by conservatives.

I took exception to that definitiion and emailed my objection to Mr. Martin as follows:

"Swift boating” is a term that is used to describe a concerted effort to get the truth out about a political candidate. You are confusing the public by defining it incorrectly. Please issue a correction.

Thank you.

Mr. Martin replied:

I am afraid your definition is not correct. I disagree. The left gave "swift boating" an odious connotation and that odor has persisted to the present day. You can't wish that your definition would prevail when it hasn't.

My response was:

I can assure you that within conservative circles swift boating is the definition I provided. YOU are allowing the left to usurp that definition. Perhaps a demonstration is in order.

Thank you."

[Lee'sGhost]

If anyone is interested in helping me correct Mr. Martin his email address is:

AndyMart20@aol.com

[Lee'sGhost]

ping

[popdonnelly]

Swift boating is telling truths about Democrats that make them uncomfortable.

Scurrilous and unfounded claims against Republicans are "a search for the truth".

[Lee'sGhost]

please let Mr. Martin know.

[conservativehusker]

I feel you may be splitting hairs with one another...

"...usually invoked when liberals and Democrats are stung trying to defend themselves against unpleasantly truthful accusations hurled by conservatives. "

He mentioned that his definition included unpleasent TRUTHS that they try to defend themselves against...

[Red Badger]

“Swift boating": Sinking a politician's Ship of Fools by Torpedoes of Truth...........

[DBrow]

I agree. A conservative bringing up the actual public record of a liberal is "going negative" and this action justifies hysterical mudslinging from the left, called "a search for the truth".

And Swift Boating is indeed an effort by grass-roots activists to publicize what MSM attempts to bury.

[msnimje]

The left came up with the term "Swift boating" and gave it a negative connotation.

Most on the right had too much respect for the Veterans involved to use the word.

I don't think we should ever use it for that reason.

[MSF BU]

"Swift Boating" is when the truth is revealed about a liberal and they suffer because of it.

[Yo-Yo]

How does he define "Borked?"

[wastedyears]

Swedish Chef?

[o_zarkman44]

It depends on the definition of "if".

Name me a politician who answers a question directly, truthfully, and with finality.

We are dealing with a bunch of non commitals who stand for whatever is popular at the given moment. Fence riders.
Wind direction testers. Doublespeak distractors.

[Lee'sGhost]

LOL!

[dead]

How does he define "Borked?"

I just want a Lewinsky.

[o_zarkman44]

I think the MSM reporters should be required to register as lobbyers because they continuously add their directional questions and conclusions to news reporting.

[altura]

I agree. the definition is not ideal but it isn't so bad.

[Lee'sGhost]

I believe that it is another example of conservatives allowing the left to define the terms. I think "swift boating" is an excellent term, and if applied correctly honors those who outed Kerry.

[Sans-Culotte]

I agree with conservativehusker that the definition provided already included your definition, and that you are splitting hairs. If anything, his definition was simply more detailed than yours, and had the added bounus of using the words "flaccid" and "Kerry" in the same sentence.

Conservatives don't need to engage internecine warfare over minor points when we are in essential agreement, IMO.

[Melinda]

Mr. Martin doesn't stay with his OWN definition of 'swift boating' as he defines it. According to him, the term is used when Democrats are stung by unpleasantly 'truthful' allegations. At least he said 'truthful', but then continues to suggest the term defines 'untruthful' allegations, not truthful facts.

In the following lines, he states "For the record, ContrarianCommentary.com has never “swift boated” anyone. Our mantra is: “Just the facts, mam’m."


It is this type of faulty intellect that continues to define the vast majority of the media. They don't have time to check facts, so the easiest way to write is to do it quickly and wait for any fallout. So used to fallout they are, that they now think telling a lie is worth it.