My husband, Brian, has let me take over his column this week, either as his Valentine’s gift to me or because he knows I need to vent.

I think venting is a good thing — in a proper environment, of course. And this column is a good place to do it!

I have been watching both parties’ political debates and town hall meetings ad nauseam. First, I must address the labels assigned to the candidates — “establishment,” “conservative,” “liberal” and “progressive.” These one-word descriptions are supposed to encompass all the views of each candidate?

Maybe that speaks to the voters, but my guess is that depending on the issue or topic there might be opinions or ideas that don’t strictly fit within lines. Please, someone stand up and tell us those descriptors shouldn’t matter. Please tell us what you really think, without the labels. And shame on those who would vote based on a one-word descriptor of a candidate.

Second, I understand the electorate is angry, feeling disenfranchised and frustrated. But does that mean the answer is to elect an inexperienced leader? It seems that would just end up making us even more frustrated. Just because one candidate is a business mogul suffering “verbal impulse disorder” and another is an obscure democratic socialist doesn’t mean either can effectively handle the hardest job in the world. Again, voters need to look past what they perceive to sound good. Or feel good.

The rhetoric we hear is sometimes lofty, hopeful and tough. And that can be persuasive. But can that candidate work with a desperate and disparate Congress to get sound, meaningful legislation passed? We have seen enough executive orders to know that both houses of Congress and their leadership must join forces with the White House to govern equitably and fairly for this country.

When one takes the time to dissect the qualities of each candidate, I believe there is one standout in the group running for the position of leader of the free world.

Yes, this is an endorsement, and it’s why I’m writing my first column on where I stand. As a mother, a sister, a wife, an active member of the Las Vegas community for decades and a grandmother whose horizons have been extended by two precious young people, I cannot stay silent. I must act in every way possible to help persuade Nevadans to choose our next leader wisely and courageously.

Hillary Clinton should be that leader.

She exemplifies the characteristics of what we need: strength, experience, intelligence and heart. She knows government inside and out. From a Goldwater Girl to a Children’s Defense Fund activist to U.S. senator and secretary of state, Hillary is the whole package.

Speaking of senator, I had the opportunity to dine with a well-known and respected Republican senator a few years ago when Hillary was a senator from New York. His assessment of her was nothing short of extraordinary, given the political climate in Washington.

He lauded her talent, her diligence and her ability to work across the aisle. And, yes, he used the word respect. This was at a private dinner with friends, where the truth usually comes out. Those are not words you will hear on the GOP campaign trail.

Full disclosure: Hillary Clinton has been my friend for many years. I know her very well. Up close and personal, she is a gifted woman of generosity, warmth, humor and light-heartedness combined with smarts, seriousness, steadfastness and sound judgment.

Nevada voters have supported Hillary before. Nevadans know her. So, please, do not be swayed or swept away by sound bites or rhetoric — or one-word labels — that on the surface get us wound up. Look beneath what you see and beyond what you hear to assess that one person who can clearly do the job.

The Democratic caucus is this coming Saturday. Stand with Hillary Clinton. Our country needs her leadership.

Myra Greenspun is the wife of Las Vegas Sun publisher Brian Greenspun and a co-owner of the Greenspun Media Group, publisher of the Sun.