Editor,
The title of Steven Howard’s June 6 letter, “It’s not about Trump,” says it all. The Nov. 5 presidential election will be like almost all other presidential elections where the current president seeks reelection: a referendum on the incumbent based on the last four years of the current administration.
This will be Donald Trump’s third consecutive presidential election. Four years ago, the election was a referendum on his tenure, particularly his leadership through the onset of the pandemic. Four years earlier, the election was a choice between him and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
President Biden would very much like the election to be a binary choice between him and Trump. But voters have other options, e.g., voting for a third party candidate, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; choosing to leave the presidential selection blank while voting for other offices and ballot measures, and finally, the alternative I plan to select, writing-in an alternative — a protest vote.
The point here is that Howard is right: It’s not about Trump. It’s about Biden.
Irvin Dawid
Burlingame
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(27) comments
Good morning, Irvin
The quandary for millions of Americans is trying to make a decision between two candidates that are not perceived as the two best candidates. Gallup reported about two months ago that both Trump and Biden had generally low job approval ratings, however, "The 2024 election will differ from the 2020 Trump-Biden contest in one important way: Voters today have significantly less-positive views of Biden overall and of his personal qualities now than four years ago."
You are correct... it's about Biden.
Ray,
Good morning. As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As you know we agree that neither party offers anything to be excited about this election. However, IMO it is not about Biden, it is about Trump.
For three years we have listened to DJT rail about so called fixed elections and the Biden administration weaponizing the government to attack him. So what is his campaign promise if re-elected? He has said that along with being a dictator he will weaponize the government to get retribution on anyone that has crossed him and his egomaniac ideas. Hypocrisy much?
He cares nothing about anyone or anything other than himself. Just a few days ago in Las Vegas he told the crowd in the heat not to die before they vote. I don't care about you but I need your votes. Does that sound like the leader you want? Then he tried to walk it back by saying he was just joking but anyone that follows the orange idol knows that if he is talking about something involving himself he is not joking, he means it.
It is not about Biden, it's about Trump.
Taffy, you’re hilarious. Trump Made America Great Again and I know you know all about treasonous Biden’s failings and Biden's America Last policies. As Mr. Guttenbeil wrote in today’s LTE, “I’m hoping people vote with their brains and not their hearts.” It’s like Mr. Guttenbeil is writing directly to you. Now if only you’d take your emotion out of your thought processes and realize it’s not about Trump. It’s about folks willingly ignoring Biden who hate Trump more than they love America.
Tafhdydicus Maximus
You have to wonder, though, - how incredibly far removed from reality, facts and reason, does anyone have to be to still support someone like Biden? After what the majority of us have already had more than enough from this moron. But now, after all we have seen? Slow learners, or what?
Oops! Sorry... I was channeling my inner Jorg.
Kidding aside... good to see you knockin' around the comments section. We agree on some issues and one of them is "that neither party offers anything to be excited about this election." That being said, you're correct... we have seen 3+ years of bombast from The Donald. That's what he does. And what have we seen in those same 3+ years from ol' Joe? Increasing prices, increasing border crossings, increasing foreign entanglement, increasing censorship, and increasing division. It's about Biden. I can tune out Trump's bombast, but I cannot dial back prices at the pump or checkout stand... I cannot stop taxpayers' dollars from being used to underwrite support of programs for persons who ignore our laws... I cannot stop division wrought over the past 3+ years.
Now, the left claims a second DJT presidency will weaponize the government against his political opponents. Skrrrrip! Weaponizing the DOJ is exactly what we have seen during Joe's tenure. I feel it's wrong to repay Biden in kind. But when the AG refuses to release information to Congress, that Republicans few choices. I'd hate to see this go to SCOTUS. Why can't Garland share recordings with the American people of Joe being interviewed about the classified documents found in Joe's home?
A while back, another reader said in an LTE that the 2024 election will be a referendum on Biden's presidency. It's about Biden.
Had breakfast at Neal's today... ya shoulda been there.
Ray,
Once again you have some good points but I wasn’t aware that Biden controlled the world economies. A recent check showed that over 100 countries have a higher inflation rate than the current USA rate. Zimbabwe is running at 560%, Argentina at 249%, Venezuela at 99%. Down the the middle area are some places like Jamaica at 7%.
A lot of the higher prices are due to corporate greed. Many products are adjusted for increases of the cost of materials which the producer rightfully passes on. Many products are costing less or have little cost increase in material but the corporations keep or increase their prices anyway to pad their profits at our expense.
One quick correction on your comment about weaponizing the DOJ. It is not what the left claims, it is what DJT has said he will do. As you say it shouldn’t be that way but it is.
Before I accept complaints about Garland not cooperating, how about the
Republican boot lickers not cooperating with previous requests from the Democrats on various investigations? One reason I have heard for not releasing the info is that releasing the info would be similar to violating a witness protection situation. No one will talk in the future if they think they will become outed or a target.
It has been a couple of years since I have been to Neal’s, I will have to get back up there.
Tafhdyd
And the last shall be first… I had an enjoyable breakfast today at Neal’s, and I wrote a Yelp review.
Inflation? I don’t buy gas in Zimbabwe or groceries in Argentina. Yes, corporate greed can play a role in the increases we have seen in prices for goods, but so can government regulation and spending. Before you swing by Neal’s, check the cost of burgers at In-N-Out.
Weaponization? You say po-tay-to, I say po-tat-to… or maybe this is a chicken and the egg issue? (Looks like I still have Neal’s on my mind.) OK… did the left first say Trump will weaponize or did Trump say it? Regardless, following 3+ years of Russian collusion hearings and a nothing burger impeachment 4+ years ago… while I don’t agree with repaying Democrats in kind… it makes the MAGA folks happy to hear Trump say it. Nothing burger? Gosh… why does food keep sneaking back into the conversation?
Whistleblowers? The current rogue’s gallery of feds is much more of an impediment than anything that might happen if Garland releases the Hur Report tapes. If the transcripts are already available as KJP says, then what harm could there by in releasing the tapes? They just might reveal that the interviewee is a well-meaning elderly man with a lot of memory problems.
Thanks, Ray, and thanks or referring to Gallup. What really concerns me is the polling on Biden's mental acuity, e.g., "Biden’s mental sharpness and physical health doubted, Post-ABC poll shows," May 7, 2023. https://wapo.st/3RorkIR
Hi, Irvin
Even though Joe has been known for gaffes in the past, I have tried to tread lightly around the acuity concerns during this term. However, there is no denying that Joe has exhibited some signs that he may not be up to the job. The issue could be resolved one way or the other if the DOJ would release the Hur tapes. I was hoping the DNC would maneuver the party to get behind a different candidate. Now, it's too late. Even Khrushchev got ousted by his party...
Ray,
A friend whom I see occasionally at the donut shop that I hang out in the Mission District told me that Biden reminds her of her father who had dementia before he passed away. That conversation has stuck with me, and the polls confirm that Grace's views are shared by others. While you may tread lightly in that area, it's important that we recognize that others have similar concerns, and the polling reflects it.
Interesting POV, Mr. Dawid. I’d be interested in why you wouldn’t support Trump’s America First policies, since Trump has already shown he can Make America Great Again. Now with continued shenanigans at the federal level and Biden’s America Last policies, Trump can lead us to Take America Back. Why wouldn’t you vote for Trump? That being said, I respect your voting choice. So much so that if one isn’t going to vote for Trump, I’d recommend they write-in an alternative.
Hi Terence,
As I noted, I really liked Howard's letter, particularly his reference to Trump in the first paragraph: "In their recent letters, Mr. Olbert, Ms. Slocum Lara and Mr. Aadahl accurately describe the faults and failings of the former president. It would be hard to find a more loathsome individual." Thanks for respecting my "protest vote." I thinks that those on the left would say that I'm "throwing away my vote." I think we need to urge everyone to vote on Nov. 5. I very much disagree with Biden's and the Dem's warning that "democracy is on the ballot." Democracy IS the ballot, and by voting, we are exercising one of our greatest freedoms. Thanks for your comments.
Time is short to save America as we know it. Warnings come from many sources, Political, social, religious, health of our peoples and animals, foreign governments/lands, degradation of environment (land sea and skies), economy, our beginnings of famines, pestilence and more.
In the end of things vision gets very clear and simple.
It's no longer really about Obiden or Trump. It's about right and wrong, self and country preservation and caring for others. Trump made America great before, and he is the only one that can do it again. Or to say, Trump is destined to save America.
Read 1984 and the prophets and history of long ago. Wake up....... and vote with wisdom. That being Trump.
No Irwin, the title of your letter is wrong. It is about Trump. There is no way this convicted felon, twice impeached, election denier, insurrection leader, pathological liar, sexual predator, and conman should be anywhere near the Oval Office once again. Trump is an abomination, a disgrace and a loser. Biden may not impress as anything above average in the office, but most would vote for a turnip before voting for Trump again..
Yawn, snore… Hey Rel, your idol Pelosi admitted she was responsible for the National Guard not being deployed on Jan. 6. Something many of us not infected with TDS already knew. Curses, you’ve been foiled again. If you insist on calling it an insurrection, then Pelosi’s dereliction of duty was responsible. As soon as you accept this fact and stop blaming our great President Trump, maybe you’ll earn some credibility. As of now, all we “hear” is hysterical screeching. Unfortunately, it sounds like you’re still going to vote for the turnip named Biden.
OMG...this absurd argument is so old. Try again.
...oh, and I forgot. This fact is only “so old” for those of us who accepted the facts. Not “so old” for those who willingly ignore facts inconvenient for their narrative, eh FFGig? In fact, check your left wing news sources and this news is “new” to them, although we all know they tried burying the truth, right? How deeply buried in the sand is your head?
...oh, and I forgot. All those "patriots" who attacked the capitol, attacked police officers, threatened members of congress, defecated in the building, while holding Trump banners and flags were all FBI plants and members of BLM groups, right? How deep does the sand go that your head is buried in?
C’mon, FFGig, no need to lash out after you’ve been foiled again. Just admit another mistake. Based on history, we know you make plenty so the sting should no longer be as painful. Besides, if your alleged misdeeds are correct, we all know it was Pelosi who failed to prevent it. To borrow from you, “Your rantings are old, tired and boring. You need a new editor. However, you are comical.” BTW, shouldn’t, “How deep does the sand go…?” be “How deep is the sand…”? Another mistake to add to your list?
Queen Nancy Pelosi accepted full responsibility for Jan 6, she turned down the National Guard that Trump requested and then when the protest started, the FBI and the democrat did not allow the National Guard that was standing by to help quell the problem. The FBI were the ones who provoked protesters, AG Garland won't give us the truth and tell us how many under cover FBI agents were in the crowd. Now the Hamas democrat party surrounds the White House and NOTHING done by woof woof Bowser or AG Garland. All you ever do is cherry pick little bits of CNN misinformation and try make an argument, you and your ignorant cohorts ignore the truth, you're a hypocrite through and through and your blood runs blue. You and your Hate Trump and America cohorts are a disgrace to mankind. I hope Trump comes after you and all your cohorts for spreading lies, fake news, falsities and misinformation.
Rel, are you okay that Biden accepted millions ($20 million + ) in pay to play from Ukraine and China? Are you okay that Biden and his democrat machine attacks their political enemies? Are you oaky that Biden started two wars, Ukraine / Russian and Palestine / Hamas? Are you okay that Biden is paying $100 million for solar panels that were manufactured in CHINA rather than the USA to retrofit the Pentagon? Are you okay that Biden opened the borders and has allowed over 8 million illegal immigrants to enter the USA? Are you okay that the price of gasoline has double since Biden took office? Talking about sexual predators, are you okay that Joe showered with his little girl? Are you okay that Joe allowed his son Hunter to bring cocaine into the White House? Are you okay that Joe tried to cover up all of Hunter's crimes? Are you okay that inflation has caused all goods to increase 20-25% since Joe took office? Are you okay that a Big Mac increased from an average of $4 to $8 since Joe took office? Are you okay that Joe proudly had a Ukraine investigator fired who was investigating Joe? Are you okay that 13 Americans were killed when Joe pulled the US out of left Afghanistan? Are you okay that thousands of Afghanistans who supported the US military were brutally murdered by the Taliban once Joe pulled the US out of Afghanistan?
Not So Common, I am not OK with about 3/4's of your questions having any basis in fact as most qualify for conspiracy theory status. But, I am OK with most of your legitimate concerns nonetheless, because, on all levels, Trump is less qualified and the evidence proves it. Biden is fundamentally a decent man working hard in the WH, while Trump has never been decent and has not put in a working day in his life. He is only in all of this for himself.
Biden is decent? You say you disagree with 3/4 of what I said, which means 1/4 of what I said was accurate in your mind, yet you still believe that Biden is decent? I doubt you can prove that one thing I said was inaccurate. ONE thing is not asking much considering you agreed with 1/4 of what I said
Hello, Rel
Then why are several Democratic Party leaders and operatives worried about Biden's reelection prospects?
Ray, it is part of the Democratic party to worry, it is part of their DNA. The other part of the answer is that most genuinely think Trump is an existential threat to our democracy. While I think our democracy will survive Trump, he would do irreparable harm to the Oval Office and our stature around the world.
Hello, Rel
It's not that folks in positions of leadership in the Democratic Party are worried... maybe worrying is in their DNA. It's what they're worrying about... Biden's electability.
It looks like we agree that no one person elected to the presidency can upend our democracy. Would Trump do irreparable harm? I don't think so... he didn't do irreparable harm after the 2016 election. Even though RFK Jr. said it can be "argued" that Biden is the bigger threat to our democracy, if Joe loses, he won't be leaving irreparable harm in his wake.
Rel,
You are doing what the incumbent wants: making it a binary choice between him and the "convicted felon." I agree with your assessment of him. Unlike you, though, I do not want 4 more years of someone I believe is not mentally up to the job. So I will write-in Chris Christie who did a great job of challenging Trump during the R primary.
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