The Clinton Crying Outcry

"In the heat of our campaigns, we have all become accustomed to a little anger and exaggeration. Yet, on the whole, our political process has served us well." Senator Edmund S. Muskie

"You know, this is very personal for me. It's not just political, it's not just public. I see what's happening. We have to reverse it. And some people think elections are a game, they think it's like who's up and who's down. It's about our country, it's about our kids' futures, and it's really about all of us together." Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

Babies cry. Kids cry. Women cry. Men cry too. But only idiots cry foul when a political candidate sheds a few tears in public. Even bigger idiots make a major news story out of a minor and personal response.

Hillary Clinton teared up at the end of a long day in a moment of unabashed honesty and connection with her audience. And, I suspect, with the enormity of the task she has undertaken.

Frankly, I'd be more worried if she didn't take her presidential campaign to heart.

Those who wonder if Hillary cried on cue not only don't understand women, they don't understand human nature. Those who think it undercuts her ability to govern are just plain Neanderthals.

The ones who believe her tears made Hillary appear "more human" --and who voted for her based on that belief-- highlight the great divide that continues to exist between the expected behavior of men vs women.

Then, when you remember that a few choked, angry words from the front-running presidential candidate are credited with derailing the 1972 Muskie campaign, you have to wonder if we've learned nothing in 36 years.

Let's review: Babies cry. Kids cry. Women cry. Men cry too. But only small minds make a big deal out of who cries when.

In the end, Hillary's small moment of Zen caused an outcry far beyond its equally small contextual scope.

So, enough already, for cryin out loud!