to put forth sensational negative stories about a political figure as part of a smear campaign against them, especially regarding their military record
Swift-boating's essence is a particular kind of dishonesty, or rather a particular combination of shadowy dishonesties. It usually involves a complex web of facts, many of which may even be true.
A small, shallow draft water vessel used by the United States Navy for counterinsurgency (COIN) operations during the Vietnam War; Fast Patrol Craft (PCF)