Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump sparked anger by attacking the military record of Senator John McCain, a former prisoner of war.
The billionaire and reality TV star said McCain was only considered a hero because he was a prisoner of war, adding that “I like people who weren’t captured,” BBC reported.
The comments prompted strong criticism across the party. Rival contender Rick Perry said the remarks were a “new low” in US politics.
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a frequent target of Trump’s criticism, also came to McCain’s defense and said “Enough with the slanderous attacks,” in a twitter post.
Trump later sought to clarify his remarks, although he did not apologize.
“If a person is captured, they’re a hero as far as I’m concerned. I don’t like the job John McCain is doing in the Senate because he is not taking care of our veterans.’’
The two have clashed before, with McCain accusing Trump of having “fired up the crazies” with his attacks on Mexican immigrants.
McCain was held for five-and-a-half years after his plane was shot down in the Vietnam war. Trump avoided service through student and medical deferments.
The 2008 presidential candidate is yet to respond to Trump’s remarks, although his daughter Meghan tweeted she was “disgusted.”
There are currently 15 people running to be the Republican presidential candidate.
Trump has led in some early polls, although analysts have predicted his appeal is likely to wane as the contest develops.
