In campaign news, Republican Senator John McCain broke with party ranks to defend Senator John Kerry’s record on defense. McCain said “I do not believe that he is, quote, ’weak on defense. This kind of rhetoric, I think, is not helpful in educating and helping the American people make a choice.” Despite the comment, McCain said he is still supporting Bush. On Wednesday Vice President Cheney said “The senator from Massachusetts has given us ample doubts about his judgment and the attitude he brings to bear on vital issues of national security.”