Rudy Giuliani is now doing the well-known Wingnut Walk-Back, after his ugly statements that President Obama doesn’t love America; he’s already gone through the initial hate speech eruption and the denial stage, and now it’s time for the non-apology apology.

Obviously, I cannot read President Obama’s mind or heart, and to the extent that my words suggested otherwise, it was not my intention. When asked last week whether I thought the president was a patriot, I said I did, and would repeat that. I bear him no ill will, and in fact think that his personal journey is inspiring and a testament to much of what makes this country great.

He’s not apologizing, of course, we all know that. He meant to spew that nastiness, and he’s only saying these things because he dimly perceives the possibility of political damage for the Republican Party, after putting Scott Walker on the spot and forcing him to pander to the far right as well.

See, he was just “trying to start a conversation.”

But whether you agree or not with what I said last week, I hope the intention behind those words can be the basis for a real conversation about national leadership and the importance of confidence and optimism in framing America’s way forward. I hope also that our president will start acting and speaking in a way that draws sharp, clear distinctions between us and those who threaten our way of life.