Free Republic

A new poll shows some possible effects. A new Gallup poll provides what might be the best measure so far of the effect the Swift Boat controversy is having on Sen. John Kerry's presidential candidacy. The poll, conducted August 23-25, shows Kerry's unfavorable rating at its highest point since Gallup began measuring Kerry's performance in February 1999. Forty percent of those surveyed have an unfavorable opinion of Kerry, compared to 52 percent who have a favorable opinion. Kerry's favorable rating is lower than the 54 percent of those surveyed who have a favorable opinion of President George W. Bush. From...

Recent newspaper articles about a book and TV ads attacking John Kerry's war record in Vietnam have not demonstrated that the Bush administration is behind the ads or wholly demolishing all of the allegations concerning the Democratic presidential nominee. Some of those providing money and guidance in the ad campaign have previously supported President Bush or his father, but that fact hardly tells us that the White House is pulling strings. And many of those involved in contributing money and framing the accusations have no political ties whatsoever to anyone connected to Bush. Kerry says Bush should renounce the ad,...