Author Archives: Michael Froomkin

By smearing Kerry via the Swift Boat front group the Bush camp wins tactical advantages no matter what happens. Even as the various bizzarro allegations by not-so-Swifties are being systematically proved to be a complete tissue of lies and are even turning off at least one high-profile media supporter, the whole flap is making Kerry spend money on a counter-ad — a very good ad but it's still money, and distracting people from stuff that matters.

[Update: How could I forget to link to swiftvets.eriposte.com, the comprehensive fact-compiling and checking site on Kerry & Vietnam!?!] [Update 2: this devastating letter from another swift boat eyewitness puts yet another nail in a well-nailed coffin.]

(Oh yes, even the Xmas in Cambodia mis-speak has a very rational explanation.)

It remains to be seen whether Bush/Cheney's tactical gains can be overcome by a strategic loss — which happens only if Kerry/Edwards can put the albatros of dirty pool around the Bush/Cheney necks.

From the mind-boggles dept:

Bush Promises to Offer Detailed Plans at Convention: Mr. Bush's advisers said they were girding for the most extensive street demonstrations at any political convention since the Democrats nominated Hubert H. Humphrey in Chicago in 1968. But in contrast to that convention, which was severely undermined by televised displays of street rioting, Republicans said they would seek to turn any disruptions to their advantage, by portraying protests by even independent activists as Democratic-sanctioned displays of disrespect for a sitting president.

That would be the same respect the GOP always showed to President Clinton?

Bumper Sticker spotted in the parking lot at Publix (our local supermarket):

In big letters “10 out of 10 Terrorists”, and in the second line, slightly smaller “Support Anyone But Bush”.

Which is really odd, as the evidence is nearly irrefutable that GW Bush is exactly what nutcases like Bin Laden really want: a Western leader who wears his Christianity on his sleeve, who invades a Muslim nation on trumped-up claims, and settles in for de facto occupation. The perfect foil to radicalize a generation. Bonus points for long-time family friendship with the Saudi monarchy, whom bin Laden also would oppose but for their financial support.

How to attempt to educate the displayer of such a sticker? Our suburban society offers no forum that I know of in which any discussion can take place.