Are we talking about the same Laura I.?
I've heard her be very harsh on people -- in particular I remember this interview with a member of Code Pink. By the time Ingraham was done with her, the woman was absolutely sputtering and couldn't say anything intelligible because Laura defeated every single one of the woman's lame arguments and actually got the woman to contradict herself. Laura is harsh and cold if she wants to be. But she was still respectful during the entire interview. She has a lot of tact.
But to say that's how she is in general, give me a break! I listen to her every morning, and she is a warm, witty, intelligent, and caring woman. But I suppose if you get on her bad side and she beats you in a debate you may have that view of her. It's called being a sore loser.
Last week she visited Iraq. I recommend everyone read her
Iraq Journal.