[Leaning Right]

Sounds like he was encouraged to apply but didn't.

I think you've got it right. And to a young person, an encouragement could certainly be taken as an "offer".

I'm not a Carson fan, but I'm nevertheless disappointed by all the attacks Carson is taking for this, from all sides.

[davius]

This reminds me of the relentless attacks mounted against ‘she who must not be disrobed’ for demonstrably lying about taking sniper fire in Bosnia.