Summary:
Unfit For Command offers a comprehensive look at the 2004 presidential election and the controversy surrounding Democratic candidate John Kerry’s Vietnam War record, as told by the Swift Boat Veterans who served with him.
Book Genre:
Non-fiction
Main Topic:
The book focuses on the accounts of former Swift Boat Veterans who served in Vietnam with John Kerry and their arguments against his fitness to be Commander-in-Chief based on his actions during and after the war.
Key Ideas:
– John Kerry’s controversial statements and actions regarding his service in Vietnam
– The impact of Kerry’s war record on the 2004 presidential election
– Contradictions in Kerry’s stories and the accounts of his fellow Swift Boat Veterans
– Examination of Kerry’s character, leadership abilities, and fitness for the role of Commander-in-Chief
Main Parts of the Book:
- Introduction: Sets the stage for the controversy and the importance of the Swift Boat Veterans’ perspective
- Part I: Kerry’s Record – Provides a detailed analysis of Kerry’s military service, including his actions, awards, and post-war activities
- Part II: Accounts from Fellow Swift Boat Veterans – Features first-hand accounts from the Swift Boat Veterans who served with Kerry and their differing perspectives on his character and actions
- Part III: Contradictions and Discrepancies – Examines the inconsistencies between Kerry’s stories and those of his fellow veterans
- Part IV: Kerry’s Political Agenda – Details the motivations behind Kerry’s actions and statements regarding his war record
- Part V: Kerry’s Leadership Abilities – Explores whether Kerry’s military service qualifies him to be Commander-in-Chief
- Epilogue: Provides an overall summary of the key points and implications of the Swift Boat Veterans’ arguments against Kerry
Key Takeaways:
– The Swift Boat Veterans’ first-hand accounts and analysis reveal inconsistencies and contradictions in John Kerry’s version of his Vietnam War record.
– The controversy over Kerry’s service record deeply impacted the 2004 presidential election and raised questions about his character and qualifications for the role of Commander-in-Chief.
– The book argues that Kerry’s actions and statements during and after his service do not align with the qualities necessary for effective leadership.
Author’s Background:
Unfit for Command was written by John E. O’Neill, a former Swift Boat commander, who served in the same unit as John Kerry in the Vietnam War. O’Neill became a prominent figure in the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth group which aimed to discredit Kerry’s war record. O’Neill is a lawyer and co-authored the book with Jerome R. Corsi, a Harvard-educated political scientist.
Target Audience:
The book is primarily targeted towards readers interested in American politics, specifically the 2004 presidential election and the controversy surrounding John Kerry’s service in Vietnam. It may also appeal to those interested in military history and the Vietnam War.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Unfit for Command was published by Regnery Publishing in August 2004.