I have to disagree. Will's article is largely a summation of the high points of Barone's line of argument. The dates quoted are largely indicative of specific actions or occurrences (deregulation, Sputnik, etc.). In particular, this sentence from the last paragraph would also seem to be at odds with your characterization of Will's article:
Barone believes that promotion of competition and accountability -- hardness -- is the shared theme of President Bush's policies of educational standards, individual health accounts, Social Security investment accounts and lower tax rates to increase self-reliance in the marketplace.
Seems to me there are a lot of very competent 18 year olds doing hard work well in Iraq today.
I did not read the article. I really enjoy Michael Barone, though.