[Aaron]

Originally Posted by Gothbogg the Ripper

Would Gandalf ever physically assault a Hobbit?
Yes. He probably would. The man has a horrible temper. Sure, this is outshined by his sage advice and bravery but he doesn't suffer fools gladly.
I can easily imagine a scenario in which he may get carried away. He acts from the heart, not his head.

What world are you living in? Gandalf doesn't really get carried away, he's the embodiment of veiled power. He had many times in which he could have gone totally nutso and yet he retains his composure throughout a great deal of the books.
So no, he wouldn't ever beat up a Hobbit. Probaby because he never thought himself massively superior to them.