Bush hits back at Vietnam charge

Bush served in the Texas Air National Guard

The White House has responded angrily to Democrats' suggestions that President George W Bush may have missed military service in the Vietnam era.

Spokesman Scott McClellan said the comments represented the "worst of election-year politics".

Some Democrats have sought to compare Mr Bush's record with that of leading candidates John Kerry and Wesley Clark, both decorated war veterans.

Mr Bush did spend time in the Texas and Alabama air national guard.

His record first came under scrutiny during the 2000 campaign for the Republican nomination.

Doubts were raised then about whether Mr Bush showed up for all his national guard obligations.

Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe revived the issue on Sunday, describing Mr Bush as "Awol" - absent without leave.

And Mr Kerry, the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, has said that Mr Bush should answer questions about his service.

'Proud' president

The charges prompted the administration to respond, in what correspondents say is an unusual move by an incumbent during opponents' primaries.

President Bush has appeared in military uniform several times

"I think it represents the worst of election-year politics, and everyone should condemn this baseless attack," Mr McClellan said.

"The president was proud of his service," he added.

Mr Bush has often sought to put across the image of a strong military leader, appearing with US troops in a serviceman's jacket on several occasions following the Iraq war.

Mr Kerry and Mr Clark meanwhile have been stressing their military credentials as they seek to challenge the president on national security matters.