In New Ad,
Swift Boat Vets Attack Kerry For Tossing Medals
USA Today reports the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth "released a third television ad Tuesday – and said more are coming." The latest ad "attacks John Kerry for taking part in a 1971 protest against the Vietnam War." The Los Angeles Times reports the ad "condemns the Democratic presidential nominee for tossing away medals during a Vietnam War protest more than 30 years ago."
Cheney Avoids Criticizing Kerry War Record.
The AP reports Vice President Dick Cheney eschewed the opportunity to criticize John Kerry's Vietnam War service or later war protests, "given that he [Cheney] avoided military service altogether." Asked if Kerry "should apologize for saying that troops in Vietnam committed atrocities," Cheney said, "I didn't have to serve in Vietnam and I try to make it a point always to thank those who did for their service, regardless of what their views are or exactly where they served during that period of time or under what circumstances."
GOP Criticism Of Kerry War Record An Undercurrent At Convention.
ABC World News Tonight reported the criticism of John Kerry's Vietnam War record "continued on this floor last night" at the GOP convention, though delegate Morton Blackwell was persuaded to cease distributing "Purple Heart" band aids. This "despite President Bush's insistence that he is not questioning John Kerry's service in Vietnam." The New York Times reports "the unsubstantiated charges by a veteran's group that Mr. Kerry lied to get his war medals" is "coursing through the convention like an undertow, a key topic of conversation at parties, hotels and on the convention floor." And Bush adviser Karl Rove said on ABC World News Tonight "it was inappropriate" for delegates to wear the Purple Heart band aids. On CNN's Inside Politics, Rove also said, "I understand why a lot of people take offense with what he did afterwards."
