Kerry on Monday told students in California that "if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

Kerry's comments have been roundly criticized for saying U.S. military members are uneducated. The president was pointed in his remarks about the Massachusetts senator and failed presidential candidate.

"The senator's suggestion is insulting and shameful," Bush said. "The U.S. military men and women . . . they are plenty smart, and plenty brave, and the senator from Massachusetts owes them an apology."

"... our troops deserve the full support of our government."

Earlier in the day, Kerry called a news conference to say his comments were not aimed at the troops, but rather, the Bush administration for its management of the war in Iraq. He said he would "apologize to no one" for the comments.

Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, appearing on Fox News Channel and responding to the president's comments, said Bush was "perfect" in scolding the junior senator of Massachusetts.

"He said just what he needed to say," said Boehner. "I just hope Kerry listens."