WASHINGTON – President Bush on Monday criticized a commercial that accused John Kerry of inflating his own Vietnam War record, more than a week after the ad stopped running, and said broadcast attacks by outside groups have no place in the race for the White House.
“I think they’re bad for the system,” added Bush.
“The moment of truth came and went, and the president still couldn’t bring himself to do the right thing,” Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards said in a statement. “We need a president with the strength and integrity to say when something is wrong.”
“Too little, too late,” added party chairman Terry McAuliffe.
The Bush campaign denies any involvement with the veterans’ group.
Asked about the issue, Bush said, “I think Sen. Kerry served admirably and he ought to be proud of his record. But the question is who is best to lead the country in the war on terror? Who can handle the responsibilities of the commander in chief? Who’s got a clear vision of the risks that the country faces?”
Bush criticized the groups’ first commercial and all other outside group attack ads – many of which have targeted his own re-election.
“That means that ad, every other ad,” he said. “I can’t be more plain about it. And I wish – I hope my opponent joins me in saying – condemning these activities of the 527s. It’s – I think they’re bad for the system. That’s why I signed the bill, McCain-Feingold.”
Bush’s comment about 527s was a reference to independent groups that raise money in unlimited amounts. The so-called McCain-Feingold bill, a campaign finance overhaul bill that Bush signed reluctantly earlier in his term, banned the political parties from raising such funds.
Kerry has declined to call for an end to those ads, which helped him at a time when he did not have the funds to compete with Bush’ campaign advertising budget. At the same time, Kerry’s aides and campaign argue heatedly that the commercial that challenged Kerry’s war record was demonstrably false.
The veterans’ group intends to begin airing a second commercial today in three states. That spot intersperses clips of a youthful Kerry talking about war atrocities during an appearance before Congress in 1971 with images of members of the Swift boat group condemning his testimony.
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