Notwithstanding the deceptions from the left, “Swiftboating” is to tell the truth about someone, by means of named and verifiable sources, so as to destroy the candidacy of a particular person. Not one thing the Swiftboat Vets told about Kerry was false.
Another aspect of "swiftboating" that I think plays an important part in how the verb is used and perceived, is that it includes an element of long-standing grudge. That is, the Swift Boat Veterans had been slandered by Kerry 30-some years before he ran for President -- the injury and offense done those many years before had not abated.
So I think it's worth noting that "swiftboating" necessarily includes some amount of "giving what they got coming to them, at last".
That applies to the NYTimes in this instance as well, though the timeframe is different. They've nursed a grudge against conservatives for a long time, and their attack on McCain reeks of it. But similarly, I think their ombudsman probably has had ample opportunity to correct the NYTimes, and is getting no small pleasure in giving them their comeuppance.
Any comment? In addition to "destroying with truth", does "swiftboating" imply a long-held hurt that may finally be addressed?