A group calling itself “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” is attacking Sen. John Kerry, challenging his war record and the circumstances of the medals he earned during his time in Vietnam.

The most incendiary claims of the group – which is backed by big donors to the Republican Party – have been debunked by FactCheck.org (Aug. 15), The Washington Post and by the crew who served with Kerry in Vietnam. In short, the allegations aren’t substantiated.

Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war and a Republican who has endorsed President Bush, has called the ad “dishonest and dishonorable.” He’s right on.

Kerry has made his service in the Vietnam War a central part of his campaign for president. It’s legitimate to question that service, just as it is legitimate to question the activities of President Bush when he was a member of the National Guard.

But the criticisms coming from the “Swift Boat” group aren’t based on the truth. They are allegations with only the thinnest connection to actual events, bought and paid for by a major donor to the Republican Party with the only intent being to drive down Kerry’s standing with voters.

Such things can be expected in a presidential campaign, but they shouldn’t be tolerated.

We believe most voters can smell a rat, but these smears are drawing attention from the real issues that should decide this election: the economy, national security, foreign affairs and health care, among a long list of others.