From WNYC in New York, this is NPR's On the Media.

Bob Garfield is away. I'm Brooke Gladstone. This

week, the firestorm ignited by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in ads and interviews blazes on,

spreading from cable news to the nation's most respected newspapers fueled by a steady stream of what we in the media like to call developments.

At first, the Swiftboat veterans had the stage to themselves.

On television, they made their claims opposite critics and surrogates enlisted by the carry campaign,

while the anchors sat back in a stunning display of irresponsibility disguised as impartiality.

Finally, after doubts had been firmly lodged in the minds of some voters,

the major newspapers and the Kerry campaign weighed in.

The candidates spoke and counter ads were crafted.

But those ads took an interesting turn, attacking the tactics rather than the charges.

The chief weapon employed in those ads?

Arizona Republican and former Vietnam prisoner of war, Senator John McCain.

I'm John Kerry and I approve this message.

American soldiers are fighting in Iraq.

Families struggle to afford health care, jobs heading overseas.

Instead of solutions, George Bush's campaign supports a front

group attacking John Kerry's military record. Attacks called smears, lies. Senator McCain calls them

dishonest. Bush smeared John McCain four years ago. Now he's doing it to John Kerry. George

Bush denounce the smear. Get back to the issues. America deserves better.

Along with the ad referencing McCain, on the Kerry website, you can also find this clip from a Larry King show during the last campaign.

The Kerry people added the ominous chord, but the words are McCain's, and they sting.

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