That Gamaliel Connection paper adds to the thinking that Harvard played the role as a finishing school. The stories that have come out about Barry's past are a mixture of declared ambition (I'm skeptical, did he think he had the where-withal?) and meandering behavior (ah, the peace-corp-volunteer mentality. Had it meself, long ago, doncha know), a wide spectrum. His writings have been praised... don't see it myself. He is said to be intelligent and a good speaker (puh-lease!). In my opinion, he got experience at Harvard dealing with intelligent people, or at least articulate people. Some of that was bound to rub off. And, of course, Harvard confers credentials. Has Barry ever given a reason for his ambition, a reason to seek the presidency, that isn't pure demagoguery?