Its a long read, but worth it.
Here's a printer friendly version
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/11/14/on_the_trail_of_kerrys_failed_dream?mode=PF
Thanks for the LINK!
Quote from the Article: "The campaign collectively underestimated the effect of the swift boats. It was a collective mistake," recalled Michael Whouley, a longtime Kerry operative. "I think the candidate was probably the most concerned about it. It pissed him off, people attacking his Vietnam service."
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I have never understood why he made such a big deal out of 4 months of service. Lots of guys put in 4 years, and even mud marines put in a whole year as the expected tour.