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Washington, DC, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Swift Boat Veterans for Truth will not pull television ads attacking John Kerry's service despite President Bush's wishes, sources said Monday.
Sources close to the Swift Boat Veterans said the issue of Kerry's military service is too important to drop.
"It is not a Republican or Democratic issue. If John Kerry was a Republican, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth would still run this ad."
Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, composed of Navy veterans who served in a patrol boat unit with Kerry in Vietnam, contend Kerry lied about his combat service, does not deserve the medals he was awarded and is not fit to be president. In an ad that ran in three states earlier this month, vets appeared saying that. In an ad appearing beginning Tuesday, former prisoners of war join the swift boat vets in attacking Kerry for his subsequent anti-war activities.
Bush Monday said all advertisements by so-called 527s -- non-profit advocacy organizations not part of a campaign organization -- should be pulled from the air, including that of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.
Won't stop Kerry and Edwards from claiming that the ads are part of Bush' campaign strategy.
Bush adviser quits after appearing in swift boat ad
Kerry has accused group of illegally working with campaign
Monday, August 23, 2004 Posted: 10:49 AM EDT (1449 GMT)
ROANOKE, Virginia (CNN) -- A volunteer adviser has quit President Bush's re-election campaign after appearing in a veterans group's television commercial blasting Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry's involvement in the Vietnam-era antiwar movement.
The anti-Kerry vets have stated that they believe it is their duty to inform the public about their experiences with John Kerry during the Vietnam War. They feel that his actions during the war do not reflect the leadership qualities necessary for a presidential candidate.
The anti-Kerry vets have provided personal testimonies and documented evidence from their time serving alongside John Kerry in Vietnam. They have also cited Kerry's own statements and actions during and after the war as evidence.
The anti-Kerry vets have stated that they are not affiliated with any political party and their actions are driven solely by their experiences and beliefs about John Kerry's actions during the Vietnam War.
Yes, the anti-Kerry vets have faced criticism and pushback from supporters of John Kerry and his campaign. Some have accused them of being politically motivated or spreading false information. However, the anti-Kerry vets stand by their claims and continue to defend their actions.
It is difficult to say for certain, as the impact of any political ads can vary. However, the anti-Kerry vets' attack ads have gained significant media attention and have sparked discussions about John Kerry's actions during the Vietnam War. Ultimately, it will be up to the voters to decide the impact of these ads on the election.