A Song of Ice and Fire (book series): Am I the only one who thinks Catelyn Stark was the stupidest Stark character? Quora question

Note: I wrote this originally for Quora.com. I write a lot on that site. For ASOIAF fans and family only!

 Am I the only one who thinks Catelyn Stark was the stupidest Stark character? Quora question

You are not the only one who thinks that.

But I think that you are wrong and I'm going to tell you why.

Catelyn--

1. not only figured out who pushed Bran out the window; she also
2. figured out why  it was done.
3. made the connection between the Baratheon bastards and Ned Stark's death(coming to the same mistaken conclusion that Ned had about Arryn.
4. tried to hide from Tyrion in the Inn at the Crossroads rather than expose her daughters and Ned in King's Landing to risk, arresting him only after the game was up and she was called out by Marillion(this of course backfired on her but was not a stupid decision, it was reasoned and intelligent given the information she had)
5. was a good judge of character, accurately predicting Balon Greyjoy's actions and Theon's reacction to his father's decisions
6. came up, with the Blackfish, with the plan to ally Robb with either King Renly or King Stannis--a much better plan than allying themself with the Greyjoys as it turned out
7. Tried to foster a peace or at least a truce between Stannis and Renly
8. in a last desperate bid for peace between the three Kings(Stannis, Renly Robb) offered that Robb would set aside his crown in exchange for a Great Council that peacefully chose the next king
9. counseled Robb to have mercy on Karstark
10. knew that Edmure was making a mistake when he defended the Fords of Trident from Tywin's army
11. accurately predicted Walder Frey's injured pride
12. counseled Robb to give honorable and important tasks to Westerlings who Grey Wind did not trust. Allowing them to keep face while also keeping them far away from the King's person.

It doesn't mean that she didn't make stupid  decisions too: notably releasing Jaime. But that was a result of her motherly instincts actually overcoming her intelligence. And, who knows? had Tyrion remained in his position as Deputy Hand, perhaps it would have paid off.

But her political instincts are pretty sound.