PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as a Congressional press secretary in Washington, D.C., an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

New York Times columnist Charles Blow performs an excellent service in a recent column. He rates the current top five choices for president – Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders – and gives all of them failing marks.

I agree.

Using a combination of Mr. Blow’s writing and my own views, here is how I would describe the choices — in no particular order of priority:

Donald Trump: Here we have a blowhard who appeals to the public’s worst instincts and doesn’t give a rip about whom he insults along the way, even as he conjures up images of Hitler and Fascism.

Hillary Clinton: Here we have an alleged criminal (see below) who risked the safety of the United States when, as Secretary of State, she used her own personal e-mail system to avoid public scrutiny of her activities, including for sending and receiving highly classified communications. In her key role in the Clinton Foundation, she also is alleged to have sold her influence to a number of high bidders.

[Columnist Ruth Marcus performed another service the other day when she wrote about Clinton’s e-mail activities, suggesting that “political idiocy is not criminal,” even as she detailed the various federal statutes that Clinton could have violated. Well, perhaps not criminal, but Ms. Marcus’ label – political idiocy – is apt.]

Bernie Sanders: Here we have an avowed socialist who wants to drive America to the same end – socialism. He would impose huge tax increases to achieve his objective, with no commitment to the private enterprise which has helped to make America great – with flaws, yes, but great in the sense that personal drive and commitment can be rewarded.

Ted Cruz: Here we have, using Mr. Blow’s phrase, a “political arsonist” who doesn’t care about anyone but those who share his brand of arch-conservatism.

Marco Rubio: Here we have a junior senator – Mr. Blow calls him an “empty suit,” which may be a bit harsh, but still more or less on point as to inexperience — who is competing for the highest political office in the world. And that’s as if we haven’t already had enough of the harm junior senators can do to this country.

As I write this, it appears that Trump and Clinton are on the way to face off against each other in the general election.

Bad choice? That’s an understatement.

For my part, I will choose neither because neither is worthy of the Office of President. I may vote again for former Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield, the late, great public official who operated from a place of principle as he served Oregonians and Americans.

True, he is deceased, but, for me, that is better vote than the terrible choice we may face otherwise.