Did anyone else happen to catch the Betsy Gotbaum interview on NYC Channel 4 yesterday? I can't find it on their web site, but at one point Gotbaum said she learned early on in her first term as public advocate that Mayor Bloomberg doesn't take criticism very well. She she has had to go soft on the mayor so he doesn't resort to stomping his feet in a tantrum. Interesting admission from a person whose entire job description is along the lines of "offer criticism of the mayor."

Is it true? Are men (especially politicians) lame when it comes to accepting criticism? Or does gender have nothing to do with it? Does it impact their ability to lead? Who has a thinner skin, Hillary or Barack?

For the record, I think Gotbaum is right about Bloomberg -- one of the least appealing parts of his public persona. I think he is a good leader, who might someday make a great leader if he learned to take his lumps a little better.