John O'Neill was Nixon's pal -- but you know that. What you may not know is what Joe Conason discusses in Salon about two other principals in "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth," the allegedly independent anti-Kerry group that's all over the media.

Short version: Rear Admiral Roy Hoffmann, the group's founder, was the commanding officer of a task force responsible for an appalling Vietnam massacre. And media consultant Merrie Spaeth is a veteran GOP operative with ties to Ken Starr, Ted Olson (her daughter's godfather), and high-rolling Bush backers who financed a smear of John McCain in 2000.

By all means get the free day pass and read the article.