Why is "toughness" a virtue? Is it tough when we are attacked to ignore the country of the attackers and attack a country that was not involved? Is it tough to hold no one in your administration accountable for incompetence that is destroying our military capability , ignoring our cities and threats to our environment, all the while punishing this country's workers at the expense of annointed few?
"At issue is whether Obama mishandled a question about how he would respond if two American cities were attacked by terrorists: Did he fail to demonstrate the toughness and resolve that voters want in a president or was his answer a careful and comprehensive checklist for any potential president dealing with an international crisis?"
I'm afraid that my definition of toughness is quite a bit different. I think toughness is in evidence when facts are considered, opposing views are seriously considered, and honesty and transparency are the basis for action.
George W. Bush and his administration are anything but tough. Their behavior in office demonstrates a high "weenie" quotient.