The former protestors are in a quadrant of voters that is growing smaller and less relevant by the day, and they want so much to be relevant. Their whole existence is based on the idea that they, and only they, cared enough to protest. It is no coincidence that these unrepentant liberals are the same idiots who think the terrorists just need more hugs, and it is all America's fault.
The veterans from Gulf War I and II are mostly Gen-X and younger. They, and their families and friends, are politically relevant, and will be for years to come.
Those poor souls that Clinton sent to Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo seem to have disappeared into the Democrat black hole of history, but God bless them anyhow. You can bet they haven't forgotten the favor. Maybe this year their votes will get counted.
Actually I noticed that when I was still in college back in 1991 during the first Gulf war when I passed protesters and I remember seeing some of my friends parents and people of that age but few people my age, The only young people there were little kids that were no doubt dragged there. Actually I don't even remember there being any significant protest on my campus (on Liberal Long Island) at that time, In fact I remember a professor of mine who was against the war getting so frustrated with the students (including me) tearing down his arugements he actually walked out of the class.
(By the way, did you know that Kerry actually served in Vietnam?)
Really, I did not know that, Next you are going to tell me Sean Hannity has a book coming out.