"When he stands up with Jane Fonda, someone that is so notorious and hated by veterans, and Tom Hayden, and a couple of others as well and supports their agenda," Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, California Republican, said yesterday, "it diminishes the service some of us almost gave our lives for, and the over 56,000 people that lost their lives —it slaps their families in the face." Mr. Cunningham was the first pilot to qualify as an ace in the Vietnam War, by shooting down at least five enemy airplanes. "I think it's his right, but it kind of upsets you," Mr. Cunningham said. "He had honorable service, but it's a shame someone would let politics rule their life, instead of their principles."

On CNN yesterday, Miss Fonda defended Mr. Kerry as a patriotic "hero" for protesting the war. She said that the photo of her and Mr. Kerry at the rally represents "the kind of big lie that's coming out of this current administration that I think the American people are sick of."

A Kerry campaign spokesman Tuesday said the senator was "just acquaintances" with the actress. Miss Fonda said she "never really met" Mr. Kerry until a few years ago, when she and then-husband Ted Turner attended an event with the senator.

Update: This photo is a fake. This blogger was sucker punched along with others. Probably Democrat did it. One showing them in initimate contact will be found eventually.