Kerry Challenges Bush to Debate on Vietnam War Experience

Senator John Kerry, a Democratic presidential candidate, has challenged President Bush to a debate on their experiences during the Vietnam War. In a letter released late Saturday night, Kerry accused Bush of trying to smear him about his record in Vietnam, his role in the antiwar movement, and his commitment to the military. Kerry, a Vietnam veteran, has campaigned heavily on his combat record, including his Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. He has also criticized Bush's military record, including his time in the Air National Guard.

Key Takeaways:

• Kerry accused Bush of trying to smear him about his record in Vietnam, his role in the antiwar movement, and his commitment to the military.
• Kerry challenged Bush to a debate on their experiences during the Vietnam War, specifically on "the impact of our experiences on our approaches to presidential leadership."
• Kerry cited Senator Saxby Chambliss, Republican of Georgia, who attacked him as soft on defense in a conference call arranged by the Bush campaign.
• Kerry noted that Chambliss defeated Max Cleland, a Democratic incumbent who lost three limbs in Vietnam, in a 2002 race in which he ran television advertisements suggesting Cleland was soft on defense.
• Kerry implicated Vice President Dick Cheney and other Republicans who, he said, were questioning the patriotism of Democrats who challenge the Bush administration's policy in Iraq.
• Kerry's campaign released a letter he said had been sent to the White House, in which he accused Bush of reopening "wounds" for personal political gain.
• The letter also stated that Kerry is "prepared to do so" if Bush wants to debate the Vietnam era.

Statistics:

• 32 years: The length of Kerry's voting record, which Chambliss cited as evidence of his being soft on defense.
• 15 negative attack ads: The number of attack ads run by the Kerry campaign against President Bush.
• $100 million: The amount of the campaign fund that Kerry mentioned in his letter as being used to distort the debate on Vietnam.
• 2002: The year in which Chambliss defeated Cleland in a Senate race.

Sources:

• Kerry, John. Letter to the President. Released late Saturday night.
• Kerry, John. Interview with "This Week" on ABC. To be broadcast Sunday.
• Chambliss, Saxby. Conference call with Republican supporters arranged by the Bush campaign. Saturday morning.
• Stanzel, Scott. Statement by Bush re-election campaign. Saturday evening.
• The New York Times. Article, "Kerry Challenges Bush to Debate on Vietnam Experience". (undated)