McCain Warns: Don't Politicize Vietnam

Sen. John McCain warned on Sunday that attempts to politicize the Vietnam War risk turning the presidential campaign into the ugliest in American history, saying that both President Bush and Sen. Kerry should focus on more current issues.

"I think this is probably going to be the nastiest campaign we've ever seen from both sides," McCain told ABC's "This Week." "An example of the unfortunate aspect of it is this dredging up Vietnam."

"I've spent the last 30 years trying to heal the wounds of Vietnam," the Arizona Republican complained. "Now we seem to be wanting to reopen them."

Addressing charges from Democratic Party officials that Bush's National Guard service was inferior to Kerry's stint in Vietnam, McCain said, "I believe that both President Bush and John Kerry served honorably."

McCain said that most younger voters regard the Vietnam War as "ancient history," and he warned that unless both candidates stick to relevant issues lower voter turnout could result.

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