The Clinton conundrum

Re “She’s gotta have it,” Opinion, Jan. 12

Meghan Daum is concerned about voters who know Hillary Clinton would be the best candidate but feel guilty because they don’t like her. As a high school teacher, this bit of adolescent fluff reminds me of the girl who wanted to be a cheerleader so much that all the kids were embarrassed for her. How embarrassing for Daum to suggest that Clinton should perhaps play “hard to get” so the voters will like her more. Clinton, after all, is not running for cheerleader.

Unfortunately, too many voters choose a presidential candidate as if the election were a high school popularity contest. “Likability” should be very low on the list of characteristics that influence our choice for president. Many people liked George W. Bush, and look where that got us. Clinton is most likely to succeed as president because she is smart and hardworking, does her homework, cooperates with others, stands up to bullies and has a history of accomplishment.

Kathleen Dichirico

Newbury Park

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Daum really nailed it on Clinton. Politics and statecraft are mendacious activities that make us justifiably wary of those who pursue power -- particularly those who pursue it the most passionately. Women have traditionally served as the voice of conscience and compassion in a world dominated by violence-prone males. Countries in which women have the least influence are among the most savage places on Earth. Is it a net loss or a net gain when women are forced to exhibit the same characteristics that perpetuate our debased politics in order to wield influence? That’s the uncomfortable question Clinton’s candidacy forces us to confront.

Bob Carlson

Garden Grove

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It is a sad fact that men can wear ambition a lot easier than women. On the right man, it not only looks good, it can be downright attractive. This is probably very Darwinian, whereas ambition on women seems somehow distasteful -- like running for the Senate in a state where you just barely bought a house. Clinton says she just wants to serve our country, and for this we should vote for her. We are supposed to stand aside and let this historical moment happen.

There is no question that the first female president will need an unholy assortment of talents: charisma, intelligence (without being threatening), humor, power and grace. She will need more of these things than probably any man who has preceded her. Naturally, it isn’t fair.

Alexandria Levitt

South Pasadena

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Daum says that Clinton’s “stridency can grate even on those who agree with her ideas.” She must mean Clinton’s consistent advocacy of policy goals, such as getting out of Iraq and universal medical care for Americans, because I’ve never heard Clinton sound strident. Only a female politician would be called strident when she advocates common-sense policies that so clearly align with historical American values, like fighting only when it is absolutely necessary and compassion for the underdog.

John Taylor

La Habra