McCain rejects Carter claim he is 'milking' Vietnam service

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ST PAUL, Minnesota (AFP) — Republican White House candidate John McCain on Sunday rejected a comment by former president Jimmy Carter that he was "milking" his Vietnam war heroism for political gain.

Carter said in a USA Today interview on the sidelines of the Democratic convention in Denver last week that McCain had been "milking every possible drop of advantage" from his time as a prisoner of war.

But McCain said his five-and-a-half years as a prisoner after his navy jet was shot down over Vietnam in 1967 had been crucial to forging his character.

"I have great respect for former president Carter, but it's not first time we have disagreed," McCain said on Fox News Sunday.

"I don't think most Americans share that view.

"In fact, most of my...