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'Swift Boating' Fears for Obama May Be Premature

Third-party groups aren't appearing on the horizon

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2008 1:35 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Democrats fretting over a reprise of the swift boating that marked the 2004 campaign may be hearing false alarms, Politico reports. Third-party organizations, aka 527 groups, have thus far been unable to drum up enough opposition to Barack Obama to fund an offensive. It's early yet, but antagonists like T. Boone Pickens and Freedom's Watch are on the sidelines.

Among the explanations are tougher FEC regulations, lack of enthusiasm for John McCain, disappointment at not having Hillary Clinton to target, fear of being called racist, and, most important, concern that McCain would denounce the efforts. Democrats “think another swift boat is coming—and it’s not,” said one insider.

Presidential nominee John Kerry, right, hugs former special forces member and Vietnam swiftboat crewmate Jim Rassmann while other swiftboat crewmates applaud.
Presidential nominee John Kerry, right, hugs former special forces member and Vietnam swiftboat crewmate Jim Rassmann while other swiftboat crewmates applaud.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, file)
Swift Boat Vets
Swift Boat Vets   (KRT Photos)
John F. Kerry and William B. Rood, right, are shown at the Swift boat base at An Thoi, Vietnam, shortly after the action for which Kerry was awarded the Silver Star and Rood was awarded the Bronze Sta
John F. Kerry and William B. Rood, right, are shown at the Swift boat base at An Thoi, Vietnam, shortly after the action for which Kerry was awarded the Silver Star and Rood was awarded the Bronze Sta   (KRT Photos)
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Unclear what effect Obama's move will have on campaign finance
Wall Street Journal

In favor of Obama's decision on public financing
Huffington Post

 
Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John McCain • John Kerry • 527 groups • attack ad • Swift Boat Veterans for Truth

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