I've read all of those articles, none were "tearful".
You really DO have trouble understanding what she writes, don't you? Not to insult, but try reading it slower without your bias - you're not getting it and it makes your criticism (however valid) seem juvenille.
...oh, sorry...SOB!!!...I was just about to say that I am taking my gas mask and leaving you for nine weeks to work on...oh, SOB, SOB, SOB....
"I've read all of those articles, none were "tearful".
Oh please, I like Peggy Noonan well enough, but every single one was a weeper.
I always say about Peggy, her prose is so purple that if the word "maudlin" did not exist, we'd have to invent it just for her.