Letters: Policy vs. ethics | Candidacy questioned | Trump’s demeanor | Not fatal | Cost of ego

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Disagreement is withpolicy, not ethics

Re: “Replace Mayor Thao with ethical leader” (Page 6, June 28).

The writer questions the mayor’s character and ethics simply on the basis of two policy examples with which he disagrees.

First, regarding the A’s departure, we may not like the results, but there was nothing unethical about the mayor’s (and others’) decision to not fund with public money a multimillionaire’s venture. It was simply a policy choice.

Regarding the sale of the city’s share of the coliseum, many may conclude that it was short-sighted or unwise, but again, it was simply one choice among several possible choices (including the writer’s favored option of layoffs, which he regards as “part of a healthy business cycle.”)

If the writer insists on portraying the mayor’s decisions as character flaws and ethically problematic, then I might also suggest that he examine the ethics of a system that favors handing public money to millionaires and that regards laying off workers as healthy.

Bruce WilliamsOakland

The wrong candidacyis being questioned

Re: “Biden, Trump launch into personal attacks” (Page A1, June 28).

After the first presidential debate, why are we not asking if the former president should withdraw from the race?

The former president’s statements were a nonstop series of lies, so it was hard to know where to start in a rebuttal. The incumbent president is responsible for a steady stream of economic and societal wins for the country: lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, 14 million jobs created, real wages increased last year, number of uninsured Americans at an all-time low, prescription drug prices reduced and capped, high-tech manufacturing brought back to the United States, investments made in long-neglected U.S. infrastructure such as roads and bridges. His administration is a bulwark against the erosion of women’s rights and freedom of choice.

Why wouldn’t we want this string of accomplishments to continue? Why would we even consider a continuous liar, convicted felon and serial adulterer to be a viable candidate?

Carol ClickDanville

Trump doesn’t havedemeanor of president

Re: “Biden, Trump launch into personal attacks” (Page A1, June 28).

During the debate, did you notice Donald Trump’s continuous smirks and expressions? Does he look presidential?

With his limited knowledge of history, his lies, his lack of control and his authoritarian behavior, it would be a disaster if he became president. Plus, he would have all yes people as advisers in his administration so he could do anything without opposition. It would be much worse than his first term.

Joe Biden did not look good in the debates, but his positions are good. He will have good people in his administration to advise him and to carry out his policies.

I don’t know if the Democrats can come up with someone acceptable who can replace Biden. All I know is that Trump must not be president — not just for the sake of our country but for the rest of the world as well.

Arlene ReedDiablo

Debate performancenot fatal for Biden

Re: “Biden, Trump launch into personal attacks” (Page A1, June 28).

After witnessing President Biden’s unsteady debate performance, media pundits have concluded that he should exit the race.

Donald Trump is a failed businessman who boasted about overturning Roe v. Wade, publicly denied having sex with a porn star and defended tax cuts for billionaires.

“Experts” were not calling for Trump — who was liable for sexual abuse and business fraud, convicted of 34 felonies, under three other indictments, and lied repeatedly all night — to step down, but for Biden to step down because he looked and sounded old.

A less-than-stellar Biden debate performance should only concern voters for one day. Remember that this election is a choice between someone who has served ordinary Americans their entire life versus someone who only cares about themselves.

Voters must stay focused and do everything they can to support President Biden and every Democratic candidate on the ballot.

Steve ChristiansonNewark

Biden’s ego will costour nation dearly

Re: “Biden concedes debate fumbles, but declares he will defend democracy; Dems sticking by him for now” (Page A5, June 29).

Donald and I have come to this conclusion for very different reasons. Mine are as follows: Although Biden has done much good in his term, he has himself admitted that he is in mental and physical decline. His debate performance was appalling. In the most important political appearance of his life, he was at times incoherent and had trouble forming and completing sentences.

Yet his 81-year-old ego prevents him from doing what’s best for the country and retiring. Instead, he is willing to threaten the very existence of our democracy by allowing the execrable Trump to resume his vendettas.

For this, from a man who claims to love his country, I call him the worst president.

Jim HoganEl Sobrante