Original sentence: It can refer to a grassroots or viral marketing techniques used to convey allegations that the media does not report, as John Kerry's war service and later anti-war activities were hardly discussed in the media until the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth started their campaign.Swiftboating is American political jargon for an ad hominem political attack.The term arose from the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth (formerly "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth") negative portrayal of 2004 Presidential candidate John Kerry's military service in Vietnam and subsequent antiwar activities, in contrast to his own portrayal of himself as a war hero.This form of attack is controversial because the facts surrounding the issue were 30 years old, difficult to verify, and partially based on personal feelings.Those who thought that the attacks were untrue might define it as a "smear campaign" The veracity of the claims of Swift Vets and POWs for Truth are highly disputed, so the meaning of "swiftboating" is therefore itself up for debate
Edited sentence: At least one conservative commentator has denounced its repeated negative usage as "a hate term.By using credible-sounding sources to make sensational and difficult-to-disprove accusations against an opponent, the campaign leverages media tendencies to focus on a controversial story.It frequently refers to a campaign that uses viral marketing techniques to sell the allegations.Swiftboating is American political jargon for an ad hominem attack usually resulting in a benefit to an established political force.The name comes from the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth (formerly "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth") organization's negative portrayal of 2004 Presidential candidate John Kerry's military service in Vietnam and subsequent antiwar activities.The term has gained currency among some writers and commentators, mostly as a pejorative.This form of attack is controversial, easily repeatable, and difficult to verify or disprove because it is generally based on personal feelings or recollections.Unverifiable or disproven charges were disseminated widely, leading to swiftboating's reputation as a controversial but effective form of "smear campaign"