I'd like to see the context of that remark. Interestingly, the concept of "authority" has been interpreted by most political scientists and org. theorists as something that rests in and rises from the beliefs of followers.
As for the deferments, I guess my response is "so what?" I mean, consider VP Cheney and various other leaders we've had.
To see people characterize draft deferments as avoiding the draft only shows either their ignorance or a deliberate smear.