To the editor: As The Times reports, former President Trump's invention of a derisive nickname for a rival is nothing new. Before applying the racist label “Nimbra” to fellow Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley (who was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa), he infamously and repeatedly highlighted former President Obama's middle name, Hussein.
The reference to a president's middle name is rare; The most familiar example may be George W. Bush's middle initial, commonly used to distinguish him from his father.
Still, Trump has long emphasized Obama's middle name, striving to reinforce the false “birther” theory and link him to notorious Iraqi autocrat Saddam Hussein.
The next time Trump does that, I hope they ask him to specify Bush's middle name. In my experience, few MAGA Republicans know it's about Walker.
Christine Hagel, Orcutt, California.
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To the editor: As I watch the former president's antics (such as insulting people, complaining about being bothered, lying, being disruptive, etc.), I am reminded of a deceased friend's phrase for such an action: “woefully lacking in social graces.”
I wonder how many of his followers would tolerate such behavior in their children.
Joseph Pflager, Maumee, Ohio
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To the editor: Our politicians should be role models for our children, who learn by observing the behavior of adults in positions of authority.
A candidate's degradation of women, war heroes, immigrants, other politicians, military leaders, people of color, and certain religions should worry parents. Persisting in lying for personal gain and knowingly endangering people should also be alarming to parents.
When making a voting decision, consider the message you are sending to your child. You are the most important role model for your child, and showing support for politicians who model these behaviors will only perpetuate them as your child grows.
Ronald Kotkin, Laguna Beach
