A Pilgrim’s Digression

The striking thing about Kerry’s entrance in Boston is that it mimics President Bush flying onto that aircraft carrier last year. Yet President Bush has roundly been criticized for his arrogance in participating in what was clearly a stunt, a photo op, an advance campaign advertisement. Now how long before the Republicans start crying foul over Kerry’s stunt, photo op, and campaign advertisement?

My question is, what are the differences between what Kerry did and what George Bush did? Both men served their country, though in different branches of the armed forces. Both men’s military duties involved details consistent with their respective campaign stunts: George Bush flew planes for the National Guard; John Kerry was commander of a boat. George Bush wore a flight suit while Kerry wore a politician’s suit, true. Other than that difference, why is one stunt more execrable than the other?