[Roberton3]

I think it's a shame that someone with her impressive credentials can be dismissed, or marginalized, because of prejudices stemming from distortions of her record.  Reasonable disagreements can arise with regard to her depicted role(s) in the Bush Administration, but I do not believe anyone can credibly argue that she was incompetent.  On the contrary, I personally think more highly of her for the way in which she handled herself.  She demonstrated integrity and forthrightness, among other admirable traits in what was surely a seriously stressful environment.  Why can't we all just get along?  :(

Most of the reasons that she's controversial among faculty predate her time in the Bush Administration, and have absolutely nothing to do with national politics.  She made many enemies during her time as provost at Stanford.  Depending on whom you talk with, you'll hear very different stories about why that is.  Some faculty will say that anyone who makes tough decisions makes enemies.  Some will say that she was autocratic, didn't listen, and made bad decisions.  I don't know enough to judge, though I will say that I've heard more complaints about her than about any Stanford provost before or since.

[Roberton3]

I think it's a shame that someone with her impressive credentials can be dismissed, or marginalized, because of prejudices stemming from distortions of her record.  Reasonable disagreements can arise with regard to her depicted role(s) in the Bush Administration, but I do not believe anyone can credibly argue that she was incompetent.  On the contrary, I personally think more highly of her for the way in which she handled herself.  She demonstrated integrity and forthrightness, among other admirable traits in what was surely a seriously stressful environment.  Why can't we all just get along?  :(

Most of the reasons that she's controversial among faculty predate her time in the Bush Administration, and have absolutely nothing to do with national politics.  She made many enemies during her time as provost at Stanford.  Depending on whom you talk with, you'll hear very different stories about why that is.  Some faculty will say that anyone who makes tough decisions makes enemies.  Some will say that she was autocratic, didn't listen, and made bad decisions.  I don't know enough to judge, though I will say that I've heard more complaints about her than about any Stanford provost before or since.