[firebrand]

Yes, another attempt to define the landscape, along with the "smear" and "rumor" mythology.

The Dems should remember that the "swiftboating" worked.

[Vigilanteman]

Kerry could have run an honest peace weenie campaign as Walter Mondale did in 1984. The fact that Kerry made his service in Viet Nam the centerpiece of his campaign is what made the swiftboat ads so effective.

For the record, Walter Mondale served honorably in the Korean War as an army corporal. I don't ever recall him even mentioning it, much less using it as the centerpiece of his campaign. While I disagree with Walter Mondale's politics, I still salute his character. The same cannot be said for any Democrat presidential nominee since.