I have read Noonan's work with enjoyment in the past, but recently (say the last 2 years or so) I have noticed an unpleasant undercurrent to her writing.
It's not "constructive criticism" as you put it - it's a low-level nasty reflexive sniping at the current administration. And there's a whining or schoolgirl backbiting tone to it that I definitely don't care for.
With each article it seems to come more out into the open, and this essay on Cheney is another example. She claims to be offering suggestions, but they are always negative and always nasty. (The "pull" comment was right out.)
I don't carry any brief for Bush - there are plenty of matters that I disagree with him on. But I also don't carry a brief for Noonan, and I see a distinct change in her writing and her attitude. It's not good for her, and I doubt more and more that her motive is really to help this administration (or the conservative cause.)
Peggy Noonan must be furious today after the Harry Whittington press statement. She is totally discredited now.