To the editor: For a quick explanation of how Donald Trump manipulated the media to defeat Hillary Clinton in 2016, read the two excellent articles on page A5 of the August 17 print edition.
An analysis of how former President Trump fills his speeches and interviews with useless nonsense took up about two-thirds of the page, with a prominent headline and a large photo.
A report on specific new economic policy statements announced by Vice President Kamala Harris took up about a third of the page, with the headline in a smaller font and a photo about half the size of Trump's.
Trump's article ended by quoting an expert who suggested that, to avoid being used, the media should not cover Trump's lies and insults unless he says something truly newsworthy.
Physician, heal thyself.
Douglas Green, Sherman Oaks
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To the editor: Harris thus proposes a cost-cutting plan that resembles several failed attempts in openly socialist countries that have led to a shortage of goods and virtual economic collapse. The plan is so reckless that it is criticized not only by conservative commentators, but also by CNN and the pages of the Washington Post and the New York Times.
However, the LA Times relegates the Associated Press article it published to page A5 and does not highlight the reaction of well-informed Democrats and even liberal economists.
Do you really think your readers get their information only from the LA Times?
Kip Dellinger, Santa Monica
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To the editor: I was very pleased to see the Harris campaign refer to Trump's latest alleged press conference as “whatever that was.”
When Trump resorts to all the arguments and nonsense he has in accusing Harris of avoiding the press, it is never a press conference. That is because there is no news, only lies upon lies peppered with complaints.
The media has not yet learned how to challenge Trump. Dan Rather, Sam Donaldson, Helen Thomas and many others from times gone by would be disgusted by the passivity with which Trump is handled.
For the sake of Walter Cronkite, at least stop calling his rants a “press conference.” It never is.
Lise Spiegel, Encino
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To the editor: In her speech on economic policy, Harris listed several spending cuts to help the working and middle classes. To her list she should add the reduction of credit card interest rates, which today typically range between 20% and 32%.
I would ask you to propose a maximum of, say, 12% to 15% on all credit card interest rates, based on Federal Reserve rates, and an automatic reduction in future credit card rates in conjunction with reductions in future Federal Reserve rates. If Federal Reserve rates rise in the future, credit card interest rates will not rise above the initial maximum rate.
This proposal will make a huge difference in cutting costs and ensuring Harris wins. If we can limit healthcare costs, we can also limit credit card interest rates.
Arthur Kagan, Woodland Hills
