Word parsing. They were in the same outfit, on the same river, on the same missions at the same time, but since they weren't in the same BOAT, they have no basis to criticize. Even if someone on the same boat were found to criticize Kerry, they would say something like, "Well, you weren't in command so you can't say that!"
No, no... he said they were Liars. He did not preface it with it is my Opinion they are Liars. He sad he was mad it was lies. He should have to back that up. I am pretty sure they could sue because he made such a clear declaration as fact.
You nailed it. If something doesn't happen to change the media tide that's calling all these men LIARS, they'll have been spit on again by the actions of John Kerry. The fact that this is happening to our country's best, including the career military, high-ranking officers, and Congressional Medal of Honor winners amongst them, is a tragedy.