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Either Kerry-Edwards is lying about Bush influence,

or CBS is lying about Bush influence,

Or Barnes is lying about Bush family influence.

This question form the Kerry-Edwards web site:

"Bush Has Said He Used No Special Treatment To Get Into The Guard. How Does He Explain The Fact That He Jumped Ahead Of 150 Applicants Despite Low Pilot Aptitude Scores?

“There was no special treatment.”

--Then-Gov. George W. Bush [Dallas Morning News, 7/4/99]

FACT: With Family Connection, Bush Got Coveted Slot in Texas Guard Shortly After Graduating from College.

A family friend of Bush’s father pulled strings to secure Bush’s spot; Bush joined the Texas Air National Guard after his student deferment ran out when he graduated from Yale in 1968. Before he graduated, Bush personally visited Col. Walter “Buck” Staudt -- the commander of the Texas Air National Guard -- to talk about the Guard. After Bush met with Staudt, he applied and was quickly accepted -- despite a waiting list of over 150 applicants. Staudt recommended Bush for a direct appointment, which allowed Bush to become a second lieutenant right out of basic training without having to go though officer candidate school. The direct appointment also cleared the way for a position in pilot training school. [New York Times, 9/27/99; Houston Chronicle, 10/10/92; Los Angeles Times, 7/4/99]

BUT - On-air, Barnes said he WAS the influence!

(Of course, Barnes daughter said HE told HER that HE was Not the influence. Earlier, under oath in Texas, Barnes said HE WAS NOT the influence.")

So we know Barnes is lying. We just don't know when he was lying.

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CBS claims BARNES, not STAUDT, was the person who influenced the TexANG into accepting Bush. Previously, Kerry-Edwards claimed Staudt was. (One or the other is lying.)

I understand that STAUDT says he DID NOT accept influence form the Bush family to get George into the Guard.