...for the intelligence and wit of CJ on 'The West Wing'. Love the comment about the conservative Republican history student whining about the Liberal texts.

Well, at first, I thought how true that was. Then, I remembered a few good times, and that all except one of them are dead now, and I realized I had forgiven. I've spent my adult life making my own Christmas traditions with my husband and daughter, and Christmas isn't the black hole for me that it used to be. The twinkly white lights, Clementines, a pointsettia, and little things in the Christmas stockings do it for me. Merry Christmas to all.

First, I should say that I am a white woman in my 60s, living temporarily in Europe for the past 2-1/2 years, a lifelong Democrat and I am a recent Obama supporter. Now I want to say how I see a vital difference between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama. I want to hear from the candidate that I will gingerly trust with my somewhat shattered hopes that when he or she is through with a grueling tour through Iowa and NH that he or she he is tired, with a hoarse voice, a hurting back because anyone would feel that way. I don't appreciate hearing from any candidate a total calculated spin aboiut an unscripted uncalculated moment. Just say, hey, I was exhausted, I needed a couple more hours of sleep, wouldn't you? And be able to laugh about it.

My gut reaction against the candidacy of Hillary Clinton hinges on my feeling that she is never telling the truth about her feelings, that she is saying what she thinks people want to hear. The famous teary moment was probably due to lack of sleep, physical exhaustion and emotional drain, not some nobler-than-thou identification with a woman asking a question, turning her answer into a paean to her 35 years of public service as what? a political partner of a wildly successful and wildly flawed male politician? Plus, I really don't like reading that she is the woman's candidate so I should vote for her. Is that feminism in 2008?

Ms. Kissling's point about the need for an inspirational leader rather than a wonkish leader is on the point which goes to honesty in expression of beliefs, honesty in owning up to mistakes, as well as the ability to craft soaring phrases that make your skin tingle.

...and a cogent writer. After reading a few vicious letters, I see that I am in the minority here. So let me ask a question: why was it OK to 'parse' Bill's upbringing and psychodrama but it is not OK to examine Hill's? No, don't answer that...she's a woman, so she gets a pass. Puhleeeese.

Bush was never charismatic. Charisma...from the Thesaurus: "grace, exuberance, equanimity, mystique, positive energy, joie de vivre, extreme charm, personal magnetism, personal appeal, "electricity," and allure, among many others. Usually many of these specific qualities must be present within a single individual for the person to be considered highly charismatic by the public and their peers."

Now, Obama, he has charisma...from an article in WIkipedia:

"Despite the strong emotions they so often induce in others, charismatic individuals generally project unusual calmness, confidence, assertiveness, dominance, authenticity, and focus, and almost always possess superb communication and/or oratorical skills."

Am I the only person who thought the Shrub was a little too bubbly? That maybe W couldn't resist celebrating with just a little touch of cheer? And maybe John was standing there grinning like an idiot because he was actually embarassed, and just wanted to run off camera? What a show that was...bizarre!

When in doubt, check Webster's: 'Tragedy...dealing with a serious or somber theme, typically that of a great person destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force, as fate or society, to downfall or destruction...a lamentable, dreadful, or fatal event or affair; calamity; disaster'.

So, you could parse a word here and there, but this is a tragedy, brought on by hubris, arrogance, power, too much money, too much access, morally challenged ethics, etc. The tragedy most of all is to the three daughters, and then to the wife. My heart aches for the daughters.

The hypocrisy is so familiar to us all: the crusader against XYZ who is found practicing XYZ.

...unless you wanted to hear a 3-hour speech. And, let me ask you, wouldn't it be nice for everyone who heard or read the speech to be left alone to make up his or her own mind about its merits? What a concept! When did we become a nation of sheep? Oh, yeah, right...