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She could have embarrassed herself by calling him a pissant, or some other appropriate Southern put-down.

But “Bless your heart” is the high road because it is a put-down in disguise.

Down South, it would often be followed by a sweet little explanation. Such as:

“He can’t hep it. Dr. Brush dropped him when he was bawn.”

She might could have thrown a little elbow by saying, “So sweet of you to speak on South Carolina’s behalf, kudzu mouth.”

Here’s a Top 10 list of Southern responses to rude Yankees that Haley might have chosen:

David Lauderdale: 843-706-8115, @ThatsLauderdale