Do you think the Kerry campaign tipped off the WaPo about Thurlow?

[A_Possum]

I'm wondering what made the WaPo actually request Thurlow's commendation. Is this good reporting or do we finally get one of those behind-the-scenes tip-off-the-media things that the pugs live on?

Either way, it's a good thing. Just wondering if the alert reporter caught the contradiction btw Thurlow's claim of no-fire and his own Bronze Star, or if Kerry had to put a bug in their ear.

[King of New Orleans]

1. I'm sure the media has been going over the swiftboats records too

it's just an obvious part of journalism

[Justice]

2. Really, Hasn't Been Obvious in Several Years

Although I will say the media definitely smells blood and has been refutting these attacks on Kerry's war record.

Edit to clarify statement

[A_Possum]

3. I'm mainly wondering because of Kerry's response to the MoveOn ad

If he knows this kind of thing is coming along in the pipes, he can take the high road and stay calm. (Unlike the rest of us, heh. Personally, I'm steaming.)

But we all said he had to know this smearvet thing was coming. And some say now, why isn't he RESPONDING, why isn't he DOING anything to counter it??

So I'm postulating that his non-reaction is because he knows he can stand by and just watch the smearvets get sunk by the navy records.

[juajen]

6. I'm tellin' ya

Kerry is very, very smart. Give em the rope, then hang them. Next time they smear, they won't be believed because of this obvious lie.

[hedda_foil]

4. Of course it's from the Kerry campaign.

The press corps is way too rushed and lazy to do any digging. It has to be presented to them on a silver platter, complete with footnotes and backup documentation.

[BurtWorm]

5. Ordinarily I'd think you were right on the money, hedda,

but the report mentions an FOIA request the Post filed to get the documents. It's possible that the Post didn't like getting burned by Bush on Iraq and now want him the fuck out of Washington. The editorial page continues to be neocon, but the news section has been more aggressive reporting on the distortions of the Bushist official line. I don't think newspaper editors like having to apologize for being wrong. Maybe they don't even like being played for suckers? Could be.

:hi:

[noamnety]

7. The basic info was already out in the public

I already had this on my site, although I've lost track now of where I got that from (sloppy work on my part): His account does not match the memory of Jim Rassmann, who was being shot at by the enemy during the incident, not the official after action report, which he never contested at the time, when he - coincidentally - also received a bronze medal for the events described in it. The Official After-Action Report states: “Larry Thurlow had maneuvered his PCF-51 over (to the disabled) PCF-3, and by and hopped aboard to offer assistance. The boat was in shambles but they were still returning fire and could not therefore assess any damage” The Report continues….“all boats received heavy A/W & S/A (small arms) from both banks…all boats returned fire …PCF-94 picked up special forces advisor who went overboard. PCF-94 towed PCF-3.”
I've added the new article as a link, but any news outfit should have found that already.

[Frodo]

8. Why are people clammering for Bush and Kerry to release THEIR records???

When the media can get THIS GUY's records in a day or two with a FOIA request???

Both candidates have been accused of not releasing all of their military records. Questions still remain regarding Bush's "service", and the citations for Kerry's Purple Hearts (etc.) would clear up much of this Swiftvet stuff.

Frankly I'd like to see it ALL.

I'm not saying I'm sorry the guy's story is partially debunked, but how is it possible HIS records come out at the flick of a finger while both major candidates' remain locked up?