Bush makes first direct attack on rival Kerry

US President George W. Bush jump-started his 2004 campaign last night with his first direct attack on rival Mr John Kerry by name.

Mr Bush challenged Mr Kerry's record on national security and the economy just 24 hours after congratulating him on locking up the Democratic nomination.

Mr Bush derided Mr Kerry for waffling on important issues during two decades in Congress, and warned that he would roll back tax cuts critical to economic growth.

"I've got news for the Washington crowd: America has gone beyond that way of thinking and we're not going back," Mr Bush told a Los Angeles fund-raiser. "Empty talk about jobs and economic isolation won't get anyone hired."

"He [Kerry] spent two decades in Congress; he's built up quite a record. In fact, Sen Kerry has been in Washington long enough to take both sides on just about every issue," he said.

The president also rebuked Kerry for saying the war on terrorism was less of a military operation than an intelligence and law-enforcement operation.

The White House has acknowledged that the Massachusetts senator will make a formidable opponent.