To the editor: The proper reply to the query, “Who received the talk?” needs to be the American individuals. (“Vance and Walz keep it polite — with a few jabs — in VP debate,” Oct. 1)
The vice presidential debate between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz was characterised extra by coverage variations (and even some occasional similarities) mentioned in a civil method fairly than by private assaults and outrageously false statements, although a couple of of these did present up for many who felt like fact-checking.
With this debate, voters had an opportunity to study extra about the place the candidates would take this nation and decide how intently all sides’s coverage positions align or are out of step with their very own values. That’s what elections are for.
However except for coverage variations, the clearest distinction between the 2 events grew to become fairly obvious when one debate participant couldn’t give a straight reply to this easy query: Who received the 2020 election? That persevering with reluctance to be trustworthy with the general public a few key reality ought to information voters of their alternative.
Shel Erlich, Santa Monica
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To the editor: In a spelling bee, you must spell the phrase you’re given.
First you repeat the phrase. Then you may ask particular inquiries to make clear the phrase. And eventually, you must spell the phrase you’re given.
You may’t spell another phrase. Or launch right into a speech about the place — or whether or not — you could have heard the phrase used earlier than. Or launch into another commentary in regards to the phrase and your relationship to it.
If debates had been run that method, the candidates must repeat the query requested. The candidate may ask particular inquiries to make clear the subject. However in a specified period of time, the candidate must reply the query requested.
Or go sit down.
Catherine Cate, Irvine
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To the editor: As one who spent most of my grownup life in Minnesota, I’d like to debate among the “Minnesota Good” that Walz allegedly displayed in extra throughout the debate.
If Walz didn’t carry out as effectively in opposition to the polished opinion-changing methods of Vance, it could be as a result of he had been over-prepped to recite coverage and figures and never be a lot of the car-repairing coach-teacher he’s at coronary heart.
Was he too good? Maybe. However one of many higher features of Minnesota Good is an unwillingness to eviscerate somebody only for the fun of drawing blood with out presenting any affordable and logical case for doing so.
I believe the complete savagely divided nation may use much more Minnesota Good. Perhaps extra casserole recipes too.
Mary Stanik, Tucson
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To the editor: In October 2017, Vance lectured at Pepperdine University, specializing in his best-selling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Like columnist LZ Granderson, I “appreciated his voice and perspective,” despite the fact that I disagreed with him.
Having learn Vance’s guide, I used to be struck by the influence that service within the Marines had on Vance, and I requested him how vital the Marines had been to him. He mentioned that if he hadn’t joined the Marines, he would have been useless from an overdose or in jail.
The core values of the Marine Corps and the Navy are honor, braveness and dedication. How unhappy that Vance has deserted these values in his expedient and wanton help of Donald Trump. The previous president personifies the other of the values by which Vance as soon as believed.
Dan Caldwell, Malibu
The author, a U.S. Navy veteran, is a professor emeritus of political science at Pepperdine College.
