Bush Criticizes Anti-Kerry Television Ad
4 minutes ago
By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent
WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites) on Monday criticized a commercial that accused John Kerry (news - web sites) 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, who had ignored calls to condemn the ad while it was on the air.
Democrats criticized the president's remarks at the same time they worked to limit the political damage from the ad which they denounce as a smear sanctioned by Bush and his high command.
"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 (news - web sites) said in a statement. "We need a president with the strength and integrity to say when something is wrong."
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