To the editor: Calling Donald Trump’s failure to distinguish between former Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown racist seems grossly unfair to Trump. (“Willie Brown Wasn’t on That Terrifying Helicopter Ride With Trump. Here’s Who Was,” August 10)
Perhaps it's nothing more than when the former president couldn't remember the difference between Social Security and Medicare, or when he drew a blank during the June 28 debate.
Oh wait, that was President Biden, not Trump, and Trump portrayed him as a sign of crippling senility. Boy, did I get it wrong! To me, all older white men look alike.
(PS: I'm an older white guy.)
Thomas Bailey, Long Beach
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To the editor: I recently celebrated my 80th birthday. My linear memory is no longer what it used to be and I sometimes misremember events from my past.
I can understand Trump recalling a 1990 incident in which a helicopter nearly crashed and in which there was a black politician on board. I'm not sure why he recalled the man as a former mayor of San Francisco, but I'm sure he has evidence, including “records, maintenance records, and witnesses,” to prove it happened, as he wrote online.
That doesn't mean it involved Brown or that it has any relevance to his campaign against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.
I remember the former president telling us that he only sleeps between four and five hours a night. I think he should try to get more rest before running for re-election.
Wilson Smith, Santa Barbara
