Originally Posted by Pleasurepays

"I really could not finish this article, and it's a shame because I wanted to read it. If this is not swift-boating a person, I really don't know what is. I would never vote for John McCain as president, but this really is some Jerome Corsi-type stuff. The thing that is so shocking is how positively Rovian the article is; it zealously attacks McCain's perceived strength -- a la the Rove playbook -- with second-hand hearsay, de-contextualized history, and only the faintest praise of good deeds. The author actually damns McCain -- who had two broken arms and a broken leg and was in agony -- for telling his captors about his family pull. Think about the balls (or lack thereof) to actually accuse someone of that!

Listen, McCain has run a secretive, cynical, mean-spirited campaign and his "maverick" label has taken a beating. He was a bit of a lout as a young guy (I sure hope they don't start banning jerks from the military!), and not so great a pilot. I feel pretty safe in saying, however, that no one reading this article has sacrificed more for his country. That means something to a lot of Americans. For people to treat that sacrifice and, yes -- heroism -- as an inconvenient barrier to more efficient character assassination...well, I just have to thank you for reminding me why I don't read Rolling Stone anymore."