TIPTON — Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry continued attacks on the Bush administration’s handling of the Iraq war during a town meeting in Iowa on Tuesday.

Kerry cited recent publications of the former top U.S. civilian administrator Paul Bremer’s criticism of the Iraqi war, indicating the remarks were among the Bush administration’s first attempts at honesty with the American people about the situation in Iraq. Bremer, who was the head of the civilian coalition in Iraq, said two mistakes were made in the Bush plan to oust Saddam Hussein. Bremer said not enough troops were deployed when the former Iraqi dictator was taken out of power, creating a lawless atmosphere in the region.

“There are a long list of mistakes, and I’m glad Paul Bremer listed two of them,” Kerry said. “But the president needs to tell the truth to the American people.”

Kerry spoke of his plan for the rebuilding of Iraq, including border control and training Iraqi forces to defend themselves. Kerry said the Bush administration has made the United States lose credibility all over the world with its action in Iraq.

“This president and this administration have ultimately failed,” he said.

Kerry then shifted to another hot campaign issue — health care — which he spent the majority of his time talking about. According to the U.S Census, Iowa has the highest population of people age 85 and older in the nation and one of the highest in the 65 and over category.

“I have a plan for health care,” Kerry said. “The president is spending millions of dollars trying to scare you. Newspapers and magazines have written that he is wrong, but he keeps spending millions of dollars.”

Kerry was met with applause at his approach to the topic and as he outlined his main objectives.

These included making Canadian drugs available, purchasing drugs in bulk to make them cheaper and allowing generic medication a place in the market.

“I’m going to allow every American to buy into the same health care plan as senators,” he said. “It has nothing to do with Republican and Democrat. It has to do with mainstream American values, folks.”

Kerry then voiced his support of stem cell research, another controversial health topic.

“As president, I think it respects lives to go out and save lives with stem cell research,” Kerry said.

Tipton resident Jeanne Droll, 75, was pleased with Kerry’s choice of topics.

“He hit the nail on the head when he explained our problems, and he had solutions to those problems,” she said.

Other residents weren’t so happy about Kerry’s plans.

An anti-abortion group assembled itself across the street from the school, and although they didn’t get the chance to hear Kerry speak, they knew they opposed his support of embryonic stem cell research.

“We’re not protesting,” said Cassie Petersen, 39. “We are just using this opportunity to remind Christian voters that the Bible says abortion is wrong.”