Hillary's emotions.

Hillary's getting choked up on the eve of the New Hampshire primary and carrying the women's vote has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Stay at home mom and columnist Judith Warner, in her typical don't-tell-me-women-are-weak tirade, bemoans what she saw as women being drawn to Hillary's apparent weakness and vulnerability. Maureen Dowd, a liberal whose efforts to draw readers with cynicism sometimes puts her in the same league as Ann Coulter, beats up on Hillary for what Dowd says was a display of narcissism. I agree with Dowd and Gloria Steinem that one of Hillary's biggest liabilities as a woman candidate is that she seems constantly driven to prove her masculinity and appear tough. So, I was relieved when she showed some emotion and vulnerability.

Voters may be attracted to women as leaders and policy makers because they hope women will bring some humility, compassion and desire for cooperation to the job. After all, been male ego and monolithic thinking have gotten us into so many of the messes facing our nation. Many voters are tired of leaders who try to solve international conflicts with force, are unable to see the nuances in complex situations, and are unable to admit their mistakes. I hope Hillary will show more emotional complexity in the future.