Demagogue on the Rise:

The press is agog over the rise of David Barton, a collector of old texts who promotes himself as an authority on the "Christian" nature of the nation's founders. Barton, a graduate of the Oral Roberts religious institution, has been praised and sought after by Republican wanna be's as a messiah for the religious right. He was an important player in bringing out the southern right wing vote for George W. Bush.

Barton is proud to show off his massive collection of old texts housed at his Texas ranch, but, as The New York Times points out, the fact is he's read very little of them. He admits as much. (See the quote in the Times.) Barton spends most of his time and energy giving speeches. One suspects much the same speech over and over. Barton appeared on the May 4th episode of The Daily Show, where he seems to be auditioning for a position as snake oil salesman. You be the judge.