Now many people, perhaps especially young conservatives, imagine that Kerry’s role in the Vietnam Veterans in the War was considered to be absolutely disgraceful, but a huge portion of the population considered him to be very impressive, even heroic.

Mike, I don’t want to re-fight this but what Kerry did cost him the votes of not only “young conservatives” but also old liberal democrats like me. I returned from RVN in May 1968. I got my DD214 from AD in February 1970. I witnessed the effect of “Winter Soldiers” on good soldiers, sailors and marines. I know a lot of those good troops to this day.

Kerry’s actions in 1971 cost him the votes of a significant number of VN vets and their families in 2004, which, in turn, I believe cost him the election.

Refighting that battle will do Democrats no good in November.