Biden-Trump debate was a humiliating exercise - for America

Replace Biden, Trump with better options

Having recently returned to Sarasota after a year of living abroad, I watched the presidential debate/debacle June 27 with embarrassment, knowing the whole world might be watching. I witnessed our two presidential candidates going at each other with insults and accusations, child-like responses and, in some cases, unstoppable bald-faced lying. 

Rather than each intelligently responding to the questions put forth by the moderators, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden both displayed unpresidential and unbecoming behaviors.

Is this the best the USA can do?  Are these two our only choices for who is to be in charge of this country? Are there no better options for our consideration?

It may be called “naivete” but my suggestion is for both the Republican and Democratic parties to put forth new presidential candidates who, when they come together in these remaining months, will have some civil debates and let us see who they are, what their policies will be and if they are worthy of our vote on Nov. 5.

With this reset, we may have a better chance to unify, and feel more pride in our great country.

Angelena Craig, Sarasota

President old, but opponent 'deranged'

The most frequently used description of our president is “old.” It’s been written and said thousands of times.

On the other hand, what you hear or read most often concerning former President Donald Trump, especially recently, is “deranged.”

Now the consequences of electing an old guy are certainly something to be concerned about. He could die in office, but then Vice President Kamala Harris would take over with the same group of advisers and likely continue with the same policies and agenda.

But if we elect a deranged Donald Trump, the consequences could be much more severe, if not catastrophic. Does anybody, even his supporters, ever advocate that Trump oversee the nuclear arsenal? Isn’t that one of the most frightening prospects you’ve ever heard?

We have documented testimony that there were times during his first presidency when he wanted to use nuclear weapons on North Korea and Iran. At that time, he had a group of levelheaded advisers and generals who talked him out of this dangerous folly.

In a second term, those advisers will be gone. Is there anyone out there who has heard his rants lately who doesn’t think he would pull that trigger now if provoked?

And once one nuke is fired, the end of civilization could be near.

Brian Maloney, Port Charlotte

Character counts more than charisma

Americans, it is said, like their superheroes. But even superheroes can have a bad day.President Joe Biden's performance on the debate stage June 27 might have been a little uninspiring but even on his worst day he is 1,000 times better than the alternative.Joe champions women’s health care, doesn’t sell himself to billionaires for policy rollbacks that would engender climate catastrophe and works well with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.

He doesn’t plan to pervert the justice system for his own use, has benefited the country’s interests with his infrastructure initiatives, and has not sexually harassed women, been convicted of felonies by a jury of his peers or encouraged an insurrection against the country.

The president fights for student debt help. He wants to work on immigration without demonizing every person who does not look like him. He has worked to lower drug costs and didn’t cause COVID deaths by discouraging vaccines.

Biden is respectful of the service of military men and women.

I could go on, but in the end, Joe may be less charismatic than the former president but he is honorable and has America’s back.

Kristi Kanellos, Sarasota

Turn to Kennedy, 'moderate' with solutions

The newspaper this past weekend was full of coverage on the presidential debate, and rightly so.

Everyone is talking about it!

We have a sad, weak-looking president and a former president whom many people fear.

The candidates spent those precious hours justifying their past performances and arguing. Many mothers are reminded of their children who would yell “No, he did it, he started it!” 

What about our country’s problems and our future?

Now is the time, my fellow Americans, to ignore the name-calling and find someone who has solutions. We need a moderate, problem-solving, smart candidate who knows the ins and outs of government and the history of our foreign affairs. 

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a moderate who understands the nuances of both sides. He has thoughtful and novel remedies for our challenges. 

Watch his many interviews with Tucker Carlson, Dr. Phil, Tommy G, Joe Rogan and others. Or watch a video at https://www.kennedy24.com.

Pamela Horrigan-Maslanka, Sarasota

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