Hi, Ed.
The difference is that the articles I post (other than those clearly labelled as opinion or editorial) are substantiated, whereas most of the smear machine's work is a simple accusation. Take, for example, the claim about Kerry and the VVAW. The article itself points out numerous contradictory data, and that this is the first time (over Kerry's long career) this charge has been made. Odds are thus extremely high that the charge has as much basis in fact as the claims that Clinton was reponsible for the deaths of Vince Foster and several others in Arkansas. You clear hope is that if you can tie Kerry up in an investigation, it would drain him of the time, resources, and focus needed to mount an effective campaign.
And then there's the long-held American belief that "where there's smoke there's fire." It's that mistaken notion that keeps the Republican smear machine operational, in the hopes that if they fling out enough buckets of mud, a high enough percentage will stick to do the job. But I have news for you -- the public is getting tired of smears and mud, and the unremitting barrage will backfire, just like the images of flag-draped coffins in the WTC pit.
-- Dave K, Speakeasy Moderator
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