As a result of the brouhaha we discussed earlier over General Wes Clark's questioning John McCain's relevant experience to be commander in chief, McCain responded with a conference call. The problem, at least for those who really do expect "straight-talk" from McCain, is on that call he had a former Swift Boater of Kerry's war record.

Here is Kerry's statement:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sen. John Kerry today released the follow statement in response to John McCain surrogate Colonel Bud Day's comment that "the Swift Boat 'attacks' were simply revelation of the truth" today on a conference call with reporters:

"Colonel Day's comments today only further highlight the McCain campaign's disregard for a new kind of politics.  John McCain condemned these kinds of attacks in 2004 when he called the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth 'dishonest and dishonorable.'  Senator McCain should condemn these remarks and cut ties with the Colonel and anyone else connected to SBVT.  Day's comments only serve to disparage all those who served on swift boats in Vietnam."

This is the kind of thing, of course, that is so infurating to any politician not named McCain. For only McCain can get away with this kind of rank hypocrisy, and still walk around playing the role of a "straight-talker." It seems his old friend John Kerry has had his fill of this behavior at this point--for if you read between the lines, this response is as personal as it is political.