I have heard the argument that Clinton is demonstrating toughness, fortitude, and even a desirable ruthlessness, with these tactics

They demonstrate only one thing: skill in manipulating unsophisticated voters, and a ruthless willingness to do so.

The strengths she's demonstrating, and her willingness to deploy them, are exactly the same strengths that have allowed the current administration to wage an illegal war under false pretenses

the ability to ruthlessly manipulate an unsophisticated citizenry can really work wonders

accomplishments require a different skill set. They require honor, trustworthiness, and a willingness to take initially unpopular positions for the betterment of the nation (read "no gas tax holiday"). I'm not saying Obama gets perfect scores

It's just that, when I look at my scorecard, he's beating the hell out of her on the totality of those important counts.

her tactics for victory insure defeat in governance.