Sorry, I have to agree with Grun on this one. Kerry can't/won't run on his record in the Senate. He is afraid that if the undecided middle knew exactly how liberal his record is (To say nothing of his ambulance chasing sidekick), they would run to the hills. Or to Bush.
And he knows that even in polls where he's a percentage point or two ahead, the majority of people see him as weak on defense and terrorism when compared to Bush.
Well, if he can't run on his Senate record and he's perceived to be weak on defense, then he has to stump behind his war record. (And let's not forget how well that worked for Bush Sr. against Clinton, who didn't even bother to play the NG card or some deferment, he left the country). "John Kerry, reporting for duty". "I'm John Kerry and here's a bunch of guys I served with." I'm Jonn Kerry and here's a picture of me in uniform."
Kerry is attempting to wrap himself in the flag with such gusto that it would make a conservative blush. And he has to.
However, if he wants to run on his war record, then he opens himself up for scrutiny on such. And if that scrutiny comes at the hands of other Veitnam vets, then he's screwed. Because even if they aren't right about him gaming the system and puffing up his record to collect medals, it still tarnishes his record.
Now here is where the Bush team must play this correctly. And take a page from the Clinton handbook. Clinton was a draft-dodger of the highest order facing two genuine war heroes in Bush Sr. and Dole. There was no way he could even hope to compete with them there. So he marginalized it. And that is what Bush Jr. must do. If he's smart, at every debate and every time it comes up, he must politely recognize Kerry for bravely serving our country. And then immediately say, "But I'm not here to discuss what he did 30 years ago in the service. Or even to talk about his testimony in Congressional hearings after that. I'm here to talk about what he's done from the second he got into the Senate. And that is to consistanatly have the most liberal voting record there. He voted to raise taxes, slash military funding...etc., etc." If done correctly, Bush could even set a tone so that Kerry looks petty and vindictive if he tries to steer the debate to Bush's NG service.
Kerry is weak on his Senate record. Marginalize the service and let other groups fight him on it. Attack Kerry the Senator, not Kerry the Ltjg. and Bush will walk over him.
