When Vets Attack

"A group of Vietnam veterans has bought television time in three swing states for an advertisement that attacks Senator John Kerry, accusing him of lying about his war record, including the circumstances surrounding his medals, and betraying his comrades by later opposing the war." The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth is a 527 group that receives a significant amount of funding from Republican donors. The group worked with PR consultant Merrie Spaeth and Republican firm Stevens, Reed, Curcio & Potham; both were part of a nasty campaign against Senator John McCain during the 2000 primaries. McCain blasted the new ad, saying, "I deplore this kind of politics. I think the ad is dishonest and dishonorable."