Bush lauds Kerry's war record

US President George W. Bush called for a stop to campaign ads by independent groups, including those targetting John Kerry's war record, and praised his Democratic rival's service as a Swift Boat captain in Vietnam.

"I think Senator Kerry served admirably and he ought to be proud of his record," Bush told reporters at his ranch here when asked about ads attacking Kerry's military service by a group known as the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth."

Asked if he thought the ads by the Swift Boat group should be stopped, Bush replied: "All of them, that means that ad, every other ad ... I'm denouncing all the stuff on TV."

The president had until Monday declined to repudidate the ads which the Kerry campaign claims were orchestrated by Bush operatives and which allege Kerry lied about some of the wounds or medals he received in Vietnam.

However, Bush's criticisms of the ads did not go far enough for Senator Kerry's running mate ahead of fast approaching November 2 presidential election.

"The moment of truth came and went, and the president still couldn't bring himself to do the right thing. Instead of hiding behind a front group, George Bush needs to take responsibility and demand that the ad come off the air," Senator John Edwards said in a statement.