In Vietnam

There are two likely outcomes this November: Kerry will lose narrowly, and we’ll be in for another four years of whining about how the world’s biggest moron managed to steal a second election; or he’ll lose decisively. The second option will be better for the long-term health of the Democratic party. The third option—a regally insulated president, Chiraquiste and Chiraquesque—is too grisly to think about. NR

Last May, when the newly formed group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth first spoke to the press about John Kerry, the men—mostly Kerry’s fellow officers from the four months he skippered a Navy Swift boat in Vietnam—seemed divided on the issue of Kerry’s war record. Some questioned the medals he was awarded. Others had no desire to cast doubt on his service. But all agreed on one thing: that Kerry had betrayed them when, upon returning from Vietnam, he characterized the American military—and, by extension, the Swift boat veterans themselves— as having committed widespread atrocities in Southeast Asia.

About the Author

Byron York

Byron York is a former White House correspondent for National Review.

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There are two likely outcomes this November: Kerry will lose narrowly, and we’ll be in for another four years of whining about how the world’s biggest moron managed to steal a second election; or he’ll lose decisively. The second option will be better for the long-term health of the Democratic party. The third option—a regally insulated president, Chiraquiste and Chiraquesque—is too grisly to think about. NR

Last May, when the newly formed group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth first spoke to the press about John Kerry, the men—mostly Kerry’s fellow officers from the four months he skippered a Navy Swift boat in Vietnam—seemed divided on the issue of Kerry’s war record. Some questioned the medals he was awarded. Others had no desire to cast doubt on his service. But all agreed on one thing: that Kerry had betrayed them when, upon returning from Vietnam, he characterized the American military—and, by extension, the Swift boat veterans themselves— as having committed widespread atrocities in Southeast Asia.