Monday, September 29, 2008

Swift Boat Ad

The original ad from "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth." This 2004 ad, repeatedly calling Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry a liar over his wounds and medals from Vietnam, added the verb "swiftboated" to the political vernacular, as a synonym for "smeared." Kerry commanded a Swift Boat in Vietnam and won five decorations. It was a powerful ad to viewers unaware of the Republican campaign operatives and donors behind it or that the accusers had not served on Kerry's boat and that several had severely contradicted themselves.

The ad ran as a paid ad in only three battleground states -- but was aired hundreds of times on national TV, perhaps elevating in viewers' minds the seriousness of the claims. At the time, Sen. John McCain said: "I think the ad is dishonest and dishonorable. As it is, none of these individuals served on the boat he commanded. Many of his crew have testified to his courage under fire."

No comments: