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?