The main problem with fighting with folks like the Swift Boat Veterans for 'Truth' is that they are making much hay simply by the assertions of their stories. The fact of their existence becomes the story and free publicity ensues.

Then you have the age old problem of wrestling with a pig. "Never wrestle with a pig, my son. You get muddy, and the pig enjoys it."

The logical response is to get a pig of your own in the movement. This would be making allegations of 'W's free ways with his National Guard obligations, and the possibility that his substance abuse made them only too happy that he didn't show up and try to fly their planes!

It is the hardball politics of the day.