I expect it means to deflect public debate from current events to something capable of re-interpretation from the past, where every time the topic is brought up by either side it's a win for the opposition.
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:26 am
by Accountable
The term seems to have taken on different meanings, depending on if you liked Kerry or not. To some it means dragging up any old trivia to try and sully a reputation. To some it's an organized and well-funded campaign of lies. To some it is pointing out the truth despite overwhelming efforts to squelch it.
The term is coming up sometimes with this presidential campaign. "Do you think he's at risk of being Swift-boated?" and such as that. It's hard for me to tell whether it's a positive or negative term.
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:28 am
by spot
Given that the original Swift-Boat campaign was a shoddy slur on a brave man I'd have thought it was pretty negative, myself.
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:38 am
by Accountable
spot;908919 wrote: Given that the original Swift-Boat campaign was a shoddy slur on a brave man I'd have thought it was pretty negative, myself.
That's one opinion. The power of the pen (creative writing) can turn trivia into a Bronze Star. I'm not convinced either way.
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:45 am
by spot
Accountable;908932 wrote: That's one opinion. The power of the pen (creative writing) can turn trivia into a Bronze Star. I'm not convinced either way.
I'm not talking about what the wretched man did in Vietnam.
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:23 am
by Accountable
spot;908938 wrote: i'm Not Talking About What The Wretched Man Did In Vietnam.
:-2
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:13 pm
by Clint
I don't think we need to worry about it in this election. McCain's service is too well documented (you were either a POW or you weren't) and Obama doesn't have any service to discredit.
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 3:19 am
by Accountable
Clint;930967 wrote: I don't think we need to worry about it in this election. McCain's service is too well documented (you were either a POW or you weren't) and Obama doesn't have any service to discredit.
They've already toyed with the idea. If I remember right, a couple months ago they drug up a guard or officer from the Hanoi Hilton to say he was a really nice guy & they had lots of philosophical conversations or something like that.
What does it mean to be Swift-Boated?
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 7:36 am
by Clint
Accountable;931038 wrote: They've already toyed with the idea. If I remember right, a couple months ago they drug up a guard or officer from the Hanoi Hilton to say he was a really nice guy & they had lots of philosophical conversations or something like that.
Philosophical conversations! Who in their right political mind would do such a thing?:wah: