To the editor: Anita Chabria says in her column: “So long, Joe. Thanks for keeping democracy in its prime.”
Who couldn't notice the stark difference between the former president's messages at the Republican convention and the current president's at the Democratic convention?
One was dark, pessimistic and threatening. The other was bright, optimistic and encouraging.
One, with flag-waving, insincere disdain, described America as a ruin, a nation to be feared. The other, with true patriotic devotion, spoke of America as a beacon, a nation to be loved.
One raised his fist in anger, the other extended his hand in welcome.
One of them insisted that all attention be focused on him. The other happily passed the torch to his successor.
Each of them made clear their party's vision for the future of our democracy. Voters will have the opportunity in November to decide which party has the vision that matches theirs.
Stephen Gladstone, Shaker Heights, Ohio
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To the editor: Chabria wrote that the conclusion he drew from Biden’s swansong on Monday was that “for all his flaws … this is a man of duty and honor.”
I continue to think of the 46th president as a man characterized by his stubbornness, as Chabria initially noted, and his arrogance.
I completely agree with the second part of Chabria-Mark Z. Barabak’s column that the “farewell” can’t come soon enough, given how Biden put his party through more than three weeks of misery after his June 27 debate debacle before deciding to “pass the torch.”
Biden was supposed to be the “bridge” to a new generation of leaders he suggested he would be in March 2020. That’s how I’ll remember him.
Irvin Dawid, Burlingame, California.
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To the editor: The editor who worked on the exchange between Chabria and Barabak should have removed Barabak's phrase “every part of his 81 years,” because it is discriminatory. Whatever is happening with Biden's cognition or body is happening with From Biden cognition or body.
Senator Bernie Sanders is 82 years old and was passionate during his convention speech. I think Sanders, Rep. Maxine Waters (86) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (84) could have beaten former President Trump in a debate and might have won him an election.
It is discriminatory for the LA Times to publish articles that associate Biden’s shortcomings directly with his age. Many of America’s citizens over 80 are making significant contributions to their families, their cities, their states, and this nation. Comments like Barabak’s dismiss these valuable citizens.
Adreana Langston, Long Beach
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To the editor: Politics aside, what struck me listening to Biden's speech was that whether or not Vice President Kamala Harris wins, Biden will go down in history as a man of great integrity, compassion and faith. He has dedicated his life to public service.
His 2020 opponent, however, will go down in history as a convicted felon and self-serving liar who seduced the Republican Party into trading morality for power and false promises.
Sylvia Martin, City Studio
