Some Say Democrats Need a Candidate

who is as "tough as the Republicans".

Bullshit.

We need one that's tougher.

Far tougher.

One who understands that tough means knowing the god-damned difference between leading a mob


and shaming a mob.



Knows that one is easy; requiring nothing but leather lungs and a willingness to do or say any-fucking-thing so long as you get to be at the head of the parade.

The other is lonely work that demands equal parts poise, firmness and an unwillingness to step aside and let the gargoyles into the cathedral. It also requires respect for the law. Respect for the stranger. Respect for the faith other than your own, and a willingness to stand up and be counted when it is not your ass or assets that are personally on the line.

Which is not to say there are any saints in the room: I don't know any perfect people, have never met one in political life, and for the record there have been plenty of times when I've pussed out in ways I regretted.

But I know the difference between tough



and tantrum.
.

I know which is right and which is wrong.

And I know that while it is certainly pitiful when people forget what real toughness is, when a nation can no longer comprehend the difference between a statesman and a demagogue, that nation is headed for disaster.