There once was a man named David Halperin, a senior vice president at the Center for American Progress, who wrote speeches for President Bill Clinton and presidential candidate Howard Dean. He now oversees the liberal college-focused Web site called Campus Progress.

There once was another man also named David Halperin, a University of Michigan professor who sometimes teaches a course called “How to be Gay: Male Homosexuality and Initiation.” He’s a well-known gay activist.

Both Halperins, it’s pretty safe to say, are somewhat, er, progressive.

Then there’s this conservative guy named David Horowitz who edits FrontPage Magazine (which, incidentally, features an article today that speculates the Dems would impeach President Bush, if they take over the House) and often appears on FOX News.  He and his associates have sometimes been accused of making substantial factual errors in their writings and arguments. They often deny the errors, or claim that the individuals who point out the errors are biased in some way or another. 

Ben Adler, an editor with Campus Progress, yesterday noted that his site is featured on David Horowitz’s Discover the Network (A Guide to the Political Left) Web site. And – what do ya know? – the hyperlink for Campus Progress’ director has him confused with the gay University of Michigan professor.

We’re sure this is a harmless mistake, not made out of stupidity or cruel intentions. And we’re sure it will soon be corrected. No vast right-wing conspiracy here, folks.