Two candidates
The recent presidential debate significantly changed the landscape of today’s national political agenda. Regardless of your party’s view, both candidates performed badly and came across as unfit and unworthy for the free world’s toughest job.
President Joe Biden had great difficulty answering the questions posed by the CNN panelists. His responses were confusing, stumbling and lacked energy; he failed the test. He badly articulated his first term accomplishments. These crowning achievements, as stated by some, rank with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society. But can he continue this record for four more years? Many are doubtful as they consider a replacement. It would be a badge of courage if he voluntarily stepped down.
Former President Donald Trump had little difficultly expressing himself; that unfortunately was his problem. The man lies frequently, fact-checkers counted at least 30 lies. This sadly misleads the American people. Historians chronicle him as the worst of any president. His has criticized the free press as the “enemy of the people”; he will attempt to weaponize the Justice Department. And Project 2025 is designed to destroy our constitutional republic, so he can become a dictator on day one. Wow, and there are three trials to go.
The Republicans by design are stuck with Trump, and they deserve him. The Democrats, at their August convention, should draft California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom for president and keep Kamala Harris as vice president, giving the Democrats a real chance to win, and help the congressional tickets.
David N. Camaione, Virginia Beach
Accept Trump
Whenever I read a letter written by someone from the left who says he or she will vote for ole President Joe Biden this November, I shake my head and laugh. What the liberals should realize is that ole Biden is 81 years old with deteriorating health and that they have nobody who could beat former President Donald Trump, which means that they should just forfeit the election this November.
It also amazes me that they would rather vote for someone in his 80s instead of voting for someone they call a “convicted felon,” someone who has not even been sentenced yet and who, following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, is immune for official acts during his presidency.
During a recent interview that Trump did with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump said he would be a dictator for just one day, but, deep down, I think he was just joking about it, just enough to get into the heads of the liberals, which he has been known to do and he’s just being himself.
I believe, at the end of this election season, Trump will be our next president and the liberals will just have to accept this, whether they want to or not, so get ready.
Mike Niehaus, Portsmouth
Tyranny
Seven of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Virginians, to include Thomas Jefferson, the author of that document. Since 1776 Virginians have stood in the gap against tyranny. The small town of Bedford gave a disproportional number of its young men June 6, 1944, standing in the gap against Adolf Hitler. Virginians helped to turn the tide and save the world from those in the pursuit of raw, unchallenged power.
Again, Virginia stands in the gap. This time the tyranny comes from within our borders, aided by nefarious international players meddling in our national affairs, trying to sow disinformation in order to create division.
As a veteran, I implore all veterans to remember the oath we all took to protect and defend the Constitution, not a person or a political party, but an idea that has stood for 248 years. As the political season heats up, I ask that you ask all politicians if they are ready to accept the results of the upcoming elections or will they be the harbingers of the death toll of our country as we know it.
My oath had no expiration. Did yours?
Robin Comfort, Chesapeake
Unmistakable
I am thoroughly disgusted with the U.S. Supreme Court justices. If the American people didn’t already know they were in former President Donald Trump’s pocket, we now have our proof. God help us if he gets back in the Oval Office.
Shauna Keller, Norfolk
Above the law
The U.S. Supreme Count has given former President Donald Trump his wish. He is above the law. He can ask the Georgia secretary of state to just find in excess of 11,000 votes to insure his victory, but that is not an official act as the president. Really?
Stuart Lee Smith-Coyle, Virginia Beach
Heads up
A couple months ago, when making a list of issues important in the 2024 election, the following is what emerged: gun safety, book banning, climate action, LGBTQ+ equality, voting rights and reproductive rights. No particular order was intended.
Later, another look showed the most important matter had failed to be included: integrity.
We cannot afford to overlook the obvious.
Judith Kyle, Virginia Beach
Biden controversy
Let’s talk circles. Will the Democratic Party circle the wagons or create a circular firing squad?
Louis Wilson, Norfolk
