Boy have we ever debated a Hillary Clinton presidency! While Obama was my first choice, I was happy enough to support her if she won the nod. You know, better than most, what it means when I’m angry enough to criticze Hillary. I’ve always liked her, always defended her “cold” or “calculating” or “ambitious” or “strident” behavior and rhetoric. We are of a certain age, Hillary and I. So I understand that “I’m the toughest, smartest guy in the room” mentality. We had to be tougher, smarter, harder, to make it in a man’s world.

But, for the most part, those days are gone. Sometimes we still do have to posture to be seen or heard. But that does not justify deliberate distortions or character assassination.

Hillary Clinton has suffered the slings and arrows of dishonest right-wing attacks, and has paid a terrible and terribly unfair price. She should know better than to hop in the same pig sty and sling the same old–well, pig-puckey.

You and I have debated over HRC before. I’m as dyed in the wool as any liberal, but I can’t bring myself to support Mrs. Clinton…even if she does take the nomination. It’s her total lack of finesse that bugs me. If wars were won by steam rolling alone, she’d be our best option. However, I believe that that undefinable “electability” everyone keeps talking about includes heavy measures of grace, diplomacy, tact, and loyalty…qualities Obama has to spare.

Love your column!

Laura