Kerry urges Bush to end attacks on combat record

DEMOCRATIC presidential candidate John Kerry has urged President Bush to “stand up and stop” what he called personal attacks on him over his combat record in Vietnam.

Mr Kerry said the attacks by a group of Vietnam veterans and former Swift Boat commanders have intensified “because in the last months they have seen me climbing in America’s understanding that I know how to fight a smarter and more effective war” against terrorists.

“That’s why they’re attacking my credibility. That’s why they’ve personally gone after me. The president needs to stand up and stop that. The president needs to have the courage to talk about it.”