Saying he didn't like to discuss his private conversations, the Arizona Republican explained, "It makes sense to let other people talk about [Kerry's Vietnam service]," but not the candidate himself.

"It was well known to most Americans that Sen. Kerry served honorably - and I emphasize honorably - as did President Bush," he added.

Still, Kerry wouldn't listen to his advice, McCain lamented - a decision that has now backfired on his campaign.

"By bringing it up, it made it [a topic for] legitimate discussion," McCain told Fox, agreeing that Kerry's had "opened the door" to criticism by groups like the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

McCain also had some advice for embattled CBS anchorman Dan Rather, urging him to come clean about the forged documents he used to attack President Bush.

"Get to the bottom of it. Get to the bottom of it quickly and get it behind you." Addressing Rather in absentia, McCain urged, "You've got to get all the information out and get it out as quickly as possible."

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