op-ed
Christian Grantham was a student activist in the late 90s and later was a consultant to domestic policy forums for the Clinton Administration as well as events for HRC and GLAAD.
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September 14, 2004

Why did the President not take a required physical? Did he receive preferential treatment so he didn't have to fulfill this and other requirements?

These don't sound like the priviledges President Bush affords those brave men and women serving in Iraq. When can they use Bush's excuses and simply call demands to fulfill duty "recycled attacks from the politicians?"

QUESTION: Did he receive preferential treatment in the National Guard?

MR. McCLELLAN: That's already been addressed, and that's more of the same, recycled attacks from the Democrats that they keep asking. And he's already addressed that matter, every single campaign he's been in. It's been asked and answered numerous times.

QUESTION: So the answer to my question is, he's not going to answer those specific questions, because the public is more concerned about the future than the past.

MR. McCLELLAN: What specific questions? They've been answered, Ron.

QUESTION: Why did the President not take a physical?

MR. McCLELLAN: It's been answered in reports, as has been answered before. He was going to Alabama to perform equivalent duty in a non-flying status. And he talked to his commanders every step of the way, and received permission to do so.

QUESTION: Why did he not take the physical?

MR. McCLELLAN: Because he was going to Alabama and he was not going to be in a flying -- he was serving in a non-flying status in Alabama.

QUESTION: Was he excused --

MR. McCLELLAN: Asked and answered every campaign.
[White House Press Briefing - 09-14-04]