Kerry defends record against Bush 'dirty work'

John Kerry accused President Bush today of relying on front groups to challenge his record of valour in the Vietnam war, asserting, “He wants them to do his dirty work”.

Defending his record, the Democratic presidential candidate said, “30 years ago, official Navy reports documented my service in Vietnam and awarded me the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.”

“30 years ago, this was the plain truth. It still is. And I still carry the shrapnel in my leg from a wound in Vietnam.”

Kerry received five medals for his service in Vietnam a generation ago, but his record has come under campaign challenge in television commercials aired by Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, funded by supporters of the president.

Bush and the White House have refused to condemn the adverts, despite calls to do so – from leading Republican Senator John McCain, a former Vietnam prisoner of war, as well as from Democrats.

Senior Democrats, including some inside the presidential campaign, have urged Kerry to respond forcefully to the criticism, fearing that if left unanswered, it could hamper his quest for the White House.

In addition to Kerry’s speech in Boston, his campaign released a new 30-second campaign commercial that features a former Green Beret saying the young Navy lieutenant saved his life under fire.

Recalling when his boat came under attack more than 30 years ago, Jim Rassmann says, “It blew me off the boat. All those Viet Cong were shooting at me. I expected I’d be shot. When he pulled me out of the river, he risked his life to save mine.”

In his speech, Kerry employed a wartime metaphor.

“More than 30 years ago I learned an important lesson. When you’re under attack the best thing to do is turn your boat into the attack. That’s what I intend to do today.”

Speaking of the organisation airing the ads that challenge his war record, Kerry said, “Of course, this group isn’t interested in the truth and they’re not telling the truth. …

“But here’s what you really need to know about them. They’re funded by hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Republican contributor out of Texas. They’re a front for the Bush campaign. And the fact that the President won’t denounce what they’re up to tells you everything you need to know. He wants them to do his dirty work.”

Bush spokesman Steve Schmidt said, “That charge levelled by Senator Kerry is absolutely and completely false.”

“The Bush campaign has never and will never question John Kerry’s service in Vietnam. The president has referred to John Kerry’s service as noble service,” the Bush spokesman said.