THE NATION'S PRESS
Mainstream media takes heed of Raw Story research on Bush AWOL status

By John Byrne| RAW STORY EDITOR

On Wednesday, the RAW STORY's research into President Bush's absent without leave status hit the national stage, being picked up by Air America. Our initial story, which documented that Bush had missed five months of Guard duty that he had never completed, was carried on the nascent liberal radio network's 10 p.m. news.

But the story is about to get a whole lot bigger.

One of the nation's largest newspapers has begun an independent investigation into whether President Bush was AWOL from the Texas Air National Guard in 1972.

Last year, the paper won Pulitzer prizes in several categories. It is among the top five largest newspapers in the United States, with a daily circulation that exceeds one million readers, according to circulation figures released July 31, 2004.

Because the investigation is ongoing, RAW STORY is unable to divulge the name of the paper or more specific details. Other outlets are believed to be investigating the story as well.

On Sunday, RAW STORY will provide a comprehensive story that proves President Bush was AWOL during his Guard service, combining the various articles it has produced on the topic.

On Monday, Lawrence J. Korb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations and Logistics under Ronald Reagan from 1981-1985, will review President Bush's Guard payroll records. He is expected to confirm RAW STORY's research.

The research was conducted over the last four months by Paul Lukasiak, and independently verified. His complete archive of research can be found here.

Upon confirmation, the paper in question has indicated that they intend to move forward with the story. The story has also been seeded in other national print media sources.

RAW STORY editors are on edge for national exposure. Two of the nation's largest radio networks have indicated that they will provide airtime for the site if the story is picked up by the national press.

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The articles produced to date on the topic include:

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Reagan defense secretary confirms legal interpretation President George W. Bush was AWOL

Response to expected rebuttal from President Bush

Bush was absent without leave from the Texas Air National Guard in 1972

Bush never completed five months of National Guard service in 1972

Five of President Bush's substitute Guard trainings invalid under Air Force regulations