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By Jennifer Koons, NationalJournal.com
© National Journal Group Inc.
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004

Swift Boat Veterans for Truth on Tuesday launched a new line of attack against John Kerry (D), this time focusing on the candidate's decision to throw away medals in protest over the Vietnam War in 1971.

The 30-second "Medals" opens with the image of a billowing American flag as an announcer tells viewers that symbols "represent the best things about America." They are, the ad says, "meant to be respected." The spot then cuts to a 1971 clip of Kerry giving an interview on the TV show "Viewpoints." Twenty-seven year-old Kerry says, "I gave back -- I can't remember -- six, seven, eight, nine [medals]." The ad concludes, asking: "How can the man who renounced his country's symbols now be trusted?"

"Medals" began airing on Tuesday in Florida but will also be on the air today in Nashville, where Kerry is to address the American Legion convention, spokesman Sean McCabe said. McCabe said the ad, which represented a $385,000 buy, will remain on the air through Thursday.

Meanwhile, McCabe said that an earlier spot, "Sellout," which debuted last month, will also remain on the air until Thursday. The spot, which can be viewed on cable networks nationwide, represents a $800,000 buy, he said.

Ad Spotlight has the latest commercials from the 2004 campaigns and issue/advocacy groups, as well as searchable archives dating back to 1997.

Script of "Medals" (TV)

ANNOUNCER [v/o]: Symbols. They represent the best things about America.

(On screen: www.swiftvets.com)

Freedom... Valor... Sacrifice.

Symbols, like the heroes they represent, are meant to be respected.

Some didn't share that respect and turned their backs on their brothers.

JOHN KERRY [Remarks during appearance on "Viewpoints" in 1971]: ...renounce the symbols which this country gives... and that was the medals themselves...I gave back -- I can't remember – six, seven, eight, nine...

(On screen: Nov. 6, 1971)

ANNOUNCER [v/o]: How can the man who renounced his country's symbols now be trusted?

(On screen: Trust?)

Swift Boat Veterans for Truth is responsible for the content of this advertisement.

To access the ad, you will need a current version of RealPlayer™, which is available for free from the Progressive Networks Web site.