The swiftboat thing was utterly absurd, looking on from Europe. A guy who lead men in the Vietnam War, getting three (!) Purple Hearts for it, was portrayed as a weak coward, while his draft-dodging opponent was portrayed as a hero.
And he didn't draft dodge for noble and moral reasons, like being against the war or refusing to kill.
Honestly I wouldn't have issue with Trump or any American draft dodging Vietnam if they then didn't go on to be a chicken hawk and try to build a tough guy warrior brand. If you're going to be an authoritarian who advocates for war, at least walk the walk first.
I'm a combat veteran who also fought in a stupid, pointless war (Iraq).
I'd respect the hell out of anyone who said,
"I did not want to go to Vietnam. It seemed like a pointless waste of lives and unfortunately our government had draconian laws that would screw you for life if you stood up against the war and refused to be conscripted, like what the government did to Muhammad Ali. My family pulled some strings and I did not go. It does keep me up at night sometimes knowing some poor kid from the ghetto or the barrio or the trailer park went in my place and may have died. And as your president, I will think of that Unknown Soldier every time before I commit troops to combat."
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u/Zealousideal_Fuel_23 May 26 '23
2004 election was held during the 4 months that the Iraq War appeared to be going well.