Criticizing a tactical engagement from a strategic perspective, three years later, is petty enough. But what about when those comments contradict a position stated publicly over a month after the event:
The bottom line is that the closest we came was in Tora Bora. I do think some people have asked some questions about how that particular component of the mission sort of played out. But the fact is that it is a difficult place. [Osama bin Laden] is elusive.I think they are doing the maximum amount right now possible to try to track him down. And it is an extraordinarily hard thing for him to hide somewhere. I mean, over a period of time, I think, he is in trouble.
John Kerry supported decisions made at Tora Bora by American troops before he turned against them. Notice how Kerry's willingness to defend a decision disappears when committing may damage him politically.