Vietnam War Illuminates, Shadows Kerry's Campaign

A Tearful Reunion

When Kerry announced his candidacy for president last September, he was surrounded by Vietnam veterans.

At a news conference held outside an aircraft carrier in Charleston, S.C., Kerry had called together several crewmen from his Navy patrol boat, including David Alston, a Baptist minister. He was Kerry's gunner mate.

"Down in the Mekong Delta, we lived together, we fought together, we bled together and we survived together," Alston told the crowd in a scene described in "Tour of Duty."

"Whether we were Democratic or Republican was not the issue. The issues at the time were trust, courage, judgment and character."

At many campaign stops, Kerry talks about his combat experiences, saying they show his "character and stamina."

His antiwar activities, although mentioned by him less often, point to his willingness to stand "up to the powerful to be a voice to the powerless," he says.

In a tearful public reunion in Iowa, former Green Beret Jim Rassmann embraced the candidate before a crowd and pledged to help get him elected. Kerry had saved his life in Vietnam by hauling him out of a river during battle.

"I don't believe it; it's amazing to see you," Kerry said.

Rassmann, 56, a retired Los Angeles County deputy sheriff and registered Republican, let out a sob and hugged Kerry, who decades ago he had recommended for a Silver Star.

Rassmann, who lives in Florence, Ore., had read Brinkley's book about Kerry's Vietnam years, which includes the incident where the young skipper saved Rassmann's life. He called the Kerry campaign, asking what he could do to help.

Aides say the reunion -- replayed on local TV news across Iowa two nights before the state's caucuses -- helped Kerry surge to victory, creating a momentum for his candidacy that continues.

But dogging Kerry are Vietnam vets like Ted Sampley.

He posted the Fonda-Kerry photograph that made news last week on an Internet site he founded that is critical of Kerry. Now he plans to organize nationwide protests.

"We're slow getting started -- we didn't think Kerry would do so well" in the Democratic primaries, the North Carolina resident said. "But his success was a wake-up call."

Standing at The Wall, Brian Hoffman admits that America's 10 million Vietnam-era veterans are a potentially influential -- but stubbornly divided -- voting bloc. He hopes Kerry can provide the emotional bridge to finally heal the nation's wounds from Vietnam.

He stared at The Wall.

"This is a sobering place. I wonder what lessons it's taught us."