Is it really such a surprise that the credibility of the Able Danger story is in so much doubt? Not if you know much about the chief advocate of the theory, Republican Congressman Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania, one of Washington's most eccentric freelance diplomats and self-styled terrorism experts.

It's interesting to note that this controversy comes just days after Weldon -- who was furious about not getting the chairmanship of the House Armed Services Committee in 2000 -- publicly claimed he had House Speaker Dennis Hastert's backing to assume the job in a couple of years. If the Able Danger story turns out to be a huge embarassment for Weldon, you have to wonder if he'll still be Hastert's guy.

P.S. Yes, that is assuming Republicans keep the House for a while. But that's hardly a crazy assumption.