06:26 PM EDT on Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrat John Kerry says a television ad that criticizes President Bush's service in the Texas Air National Guard is "inappropriate."

The ad was produced by the interest group MoveOn.org. It says Bush used family connections to join the Air National Guard and avoid service in Vietnam. Kerry is a decorated Vietnam veteran who volunteered for service.

In denouncing the ad, Kerry says the campaign should be one of "issues, not insults."

Republican Sen. John McCain had urged Kerry to reject the ad, saying this year's presidential race is "the bitterest, most unsavory campaign" in history.

Two weeks ago, McCain called on Bush to condemn an ad in which several veterans accused Kerry of fabricating his war record. The Bush campaign refused.