Listen, when I got out of the Army in 1973 and was looking for work in Massachussetts, I felt compelled TO LEAVE OFF my military service from my resume. I was not alone. The prejudice against the troops was that strong. The "baby-killing" epithets at the time (particularly in places in the Northeast) were primarily the responsibility of two anti-American showboating celebrities: Jane Fonda and John Kerry.
Kerry did everything he could to legitimize this slander in the early 1970's. Go read up on the "war crimes trial" he was a central participant of in Michigan in 1972-1973. "Disgusting" is the only appropriate description of his activity.
One thing I did not like about the Swift Boat deal, was that they ignored this aspect of his "career."
I’m not saying that Kerry has a good record; in fact, I believe quite the opposite and supported the swift boat veterans whole-heartedly. However, in terms of the candidates or other politicians becoming involved in smear campaigns I believe that McCain made the right choice.