Donald Trump not backing down from dismissive John McCain comment
Reality television star demands McCain apologize for 'crazies' remark
Once again, Donald Trump isn't backing down from comments that have inflamed the Republican presidential race.
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At an Iowa Republican forum Saturday, Trump dismissed Arizona Sen. John McCain's reputation as a war hero, saying McCain was merely captured in Vietnam and "I like people who weren't captured."
That's caused an uproar. But Trump isn't repentant.
On ABC's This Week, broadcast Sunday, the reality TV personality insisted: "I will say what I want to say."
Trump went further Sunday when he took to Twitter to demand McCain apologize for remarking that Trump was "firing up the crazies" with his controversial rhetoric about illegal immigration. He also reiterated his stance that McCain is not doing enough to help war veterans.
John McCain called thousands of people "crazies" when they came to seek help on illegal immigration last week in Phoenix. He owes apology!
—@realDonaldTrumpThe Veterans Administration is in shambles and our veterans are suffering greatly. John McCain has done nothing to help them but talk.
—@realDonaldTrumpAnd in a statement, Trump says he has a strong record of supporting veterans and that politicians such as McCain have failed veterans.
Trump shook up the race weeks ago when he branded immigrants from Mexico as rapists and drug dealers.
Several Republican rivals for the party's presidential nomination have upbraided him for his remarks on McCain.
Jeb Bush says of Trump: "Enough with the slanderous attacks."
Enough with the slanderous attacks. <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnMcCain">@SenJohnMcCain</a> and all our veterans - particularly POWs have earned our respect and admiration.
—@JebBush.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnMcCain">@SenJohnMcCain</a> is an American hero & all POW's deserve our nation's highest debt of gratitude. <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a>'s comments are disgraceful.
—@GovernorPerryJust told a crowd in Sioux City: <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnMcCain">@SenJohnMcCain</a> is an American hero
—@ScottWalker