to the editor: As the op-ed makes clear, of course we need a new Democratic president to heal our country (“What Democrat could repair the damage Trump caused?” May 7). But after a clearly liberal leader gets health care for everyone and heavy taxes on the rich, they would need to have a plan for the future beyond that. Otherwise, they are nothing more than populists like Donald Trump who don't know what our real challenges are or the meaning of leadership.
The country has grown a little more conservative. A political leader must have been governor of a large state to know something about building coalitions and working across parties. And they can't be from a liberal state where homelessness is too easy to criticize.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania is the only candidate who really fits the bill. Twenty years ago, he would never have been elected because he is Jewish. But let's face it, no one cares about religion anymore.
Frank Blaha, Gold River, California.
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to the editor: Guest contributor Jill Lawrence defends several potential Democratic candidates and politely dismisses others. She correctly points out a long list of things that need to be done to right our ship. But along the way, he leaves out “affordability” and offers a list that is long on politics and short on what I believe a winning Democratic candidate must demonstrate to become president: honesty, credibility, and the ability to convince all Americans that he or she can be trusted to improve their lives.
President Trump recent approval ratings show that he has lost the trust of the majority of the people. To win in 2028, the Democratic candidate, whoever it may be, must connect and convince Americans that honesty and trust are at the core of their candidacy.
David Kravitz, Chicago
