LLAMABUTCHER EXCLUSIVE!!!

I know we're partisan pshop hitmen in service to our Dark Sith Lord Dick Cheney, but hey, I'm also a dedicated political scientist, and, well, as a believer in the Madisonian basis of our system I think fair is fair and when you've got something to help the other guys, well, you have a duty to let the truth come out.

Hugh Hewitt lays down the gauntlet and asks for proof--any proof, whatsoever--to back up John Kerry's rapidly fraying stories about his exploits in Cambodia during Vietnam. After basing his entire candidacy on the four months he spent "in country," and demanding his opponents to BRING. IT. ON., the question of Mr. Kerry's service in Vietnam becomes a real issue: not just his service in the Dukakis administration, or twenty years in the Senate slashing defense and intelligence budgets.

So the question of "Was John Kerry really in Cambodia on Christmas?" has become a real issue. This is part of his story that he's used as a partisan club again and again.

Now Hugh asks for proof, and fortunately through some connections we have at the Bartlett Presidential Library (okay, I caddied for Toby once) we have the proof:

The first picture is a little grainy, showing future President Bartlett standing watch on the bow of a Swift Boat as it enters Cambodia:

When you enlarge the picture, sure enough, there's Lt. JG Kerry at the wheel:

And you know, because of the jaunty chapeau, it must be Christmas!

So, Hugh, I think we all need to give a big apology to Mr. Kerry for doubting his veracity.

UPDATE: Dean Esmay (over on the Queen of All Evil's site) notes that the clock is starting to tick on this story...