Yeah, that part doesn't really make sense since the running gag is that everyone is in love with Carl (or is that Lenny, can't remember).
EDIT: Yeah, it's Lenny.
It's Carl. Don't you remember when Homer shot pudding at Carl, and Mr. Burns rushed to his aid? Yet when Lenny was hit (even though he is a war hero and had an eye injury), Mr. Burns laughed.