Kerry hits back

It isn't taking Democratic challenger John Kerry long to counter punch after the close of the Republican convention in New York City.

In remarks scheduled for delivery at a midnight rally in Springfield, Ohio late Thursday, Kerry decries “the anger and distortion” of the GOP convention and challenges what he calls attacks on his patriotism and fitness to serve as commander-in-chief.

“We’ll, here’s my answer -- I’m not going to have my commitment to defend this country questioned by those who refused to serve when they could have and by those who have misled the nation into Iraq.”

Kerry said voters would have to decide whether five Vietnam draft deferments obtained by Vice President Dick Cheney make “someone more qualified to defend this nation than two tours of duty.”

Kerry added: “Let me tell you what I think makes someone unfit for duty – misleading our nation into war in Iraq makes you unfit to lead this nation.”