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Kerry Takes $1M Swift Boat Challenge

Senator vows to face Texas billionaire and blast allegations

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2007 6:53 PM CST
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(Newser) – John Kerry accepted a $1 million challenge today to back his military record against claims by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the AP reports. The former Dem nom answered an open challenge by oilman T. Boone Pickens, a key funder of the group that claimed Kerry fudged his military resume. Pickens vowed to pay a cool mil to anyone who refutes a single Swiftie claim.

But Kerry pledges to slam “allegation after allegation” in an open forum—the very kind of stand he dodged in 2004. He later conceded that his choice likely cost him the vote. Kerry has offered to face Pickens in Massachusetts or Texas and donate any winnings to paralyzed veterans. A Pickens spokesman said he is reviewing Kerry’s offer.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., hugs his Vietnam swiftboat crewmate, the Rev. David Alston, while surrounded by other Vietnam War crewmates who greeted him upon his arrival in Boston in this July 28, 2004 file photo. Kerry, whose 2004 presidential campaign was torpedoed by critics of his Vietnam...
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., hugs his Vietnam swiftboat crewmate, the Rev. David Alston, while surrounded by other Vietnam War crewmates who greeted him upon his arrival...   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., left, is joined by Vietnam swiftboat crewmates, Rev. David Alston, center, and Drew Whitlow, right, during an arrival ceremony in Boston in this July 28, 2004 file photo. Kerry, whose 2004 presidential campaign was torpedoed by critics of his Vietnam War record, said...
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., left, is joined by Vietnam swiftboat crewmates, Rev. David Alston, center, and Drew Whitlow, right, during an arrival ceremony in Boston in...   (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- George Elliot, center left, speaks as Tom Herritage, far left, Adrian Lonsdale, center right, and Roy Hoffman, far right, listen during interviews August 26, 2004 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- George Elliot, center left, speaks as Tom Herritage, far left, Adrian Lonsdale, center right, and Roy Hoffman, far right, listen during interviews August 26, 2004 in Washington, DC.   (KRT Photos)
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- George Elliot, speaks as Adrian Lonsdale, and Roy Hoffman listen during interviews, August 26, 2004 in Washington, DC. All are leaders of a group of swift boat veterans critical of
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- George Elliot, speaks as Adrian Lonsdale, and Roy Hoffman listen during interviews, August 26, 2004 in Washington, DC. All are leaders of a group of swift boat veterans critical of   (KRT Photos)
Legendary oilman T. Boone Pickens, 75, hunts wild quail on his Mesa Vista Ranch in Roberts County, Texas.
Legendary oilman T. Boone Pickens, 75, hunts wild quail on his Mesa Vista Ranch in Roberts County, Texas.   (KRT Photos)
Sen. John, Kerry, D-Mass., speaks Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, at Faneuil Hall in Boston. (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
Sen. John, Kerry, D-Mass., speaks Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, at Faneuil Hall in Boston. (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)   (Associated Press)
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Read the text of Kerry's response
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oil • John Kerry • smear campaign • T. Boone Pickens • reward • Purple Heart • Swift Boat Veterans for Truth

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