Is Fred Losing It?

Fred Barnes is an excellent reporter, at least he was when I worked with him. He's also a terrific guy. But his complete capitulation to the Karl Rove Kool-Aid is beginning to make him sound, well, silly. Check out this bizarre exchange on the Diane Rehm show:

DR:  What about the president's own service in the military?

FB:  Well, he didn't shirk.  He joined the national guard.  At one time, it's reported--I don't know whether--I have not myself personally confirmed this--that he volunteered for Vietnam and was turned down.  He volunteered--

DR:  Turned down?

FB:  He was a flier.  Well, he wasn't in a unit that would get him over there or something.  It's been, it's been widely reported--

DR:  Fred, where'd that come from?  I've never heard that before.

FB:  Oh sure.  What?  That he'd--

DR:  That he volunteered to go to Vietnam.

FB:  He volunteered for Vietnam duty and didn't get there.  I don't think I'm making this up.

DR:  Can you cite me some evidence on that?

FB:  I thought it was quite widely known.

DR:  Never heard that one before.

FB:  Really? Well, I've heard it many, many times.

Bubble, anyone? Or is there some evidence for this out there?