Sir, – Whatever the results of the US presidential election in November, future historians will surely study the reaction to the first presidential debate as a pivotal point.
The hysterical response from the media, which seemed to be coordinated, has been fascinating. The debate itself was a complete car crash for all involved but the media pile-on seems only to be about President Joe Biden’s performance, while ignoring CNN’s and Donald Trump’s own dismal performances. Why?
It is the use of the word “performance” so often in the criticism that beggars belief. Mr Biden has been running a country, not performing in a scripted reality TV show like Mr Trump seems to be, and by all accounts the Biden administration has been very successful.
So how was such hysteria whipped up against him and for what reason?
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It is true there are plenty of younger alternatives to Mr Biden, but where has this magical mystery winning alternative been since 2020, and why didn’t they directly challenge in the primaries if they are so sure they can do better? We also know youth is no guarantee of effectiveness, just as age is no guarantee of quality.
Yet those who call for Mr Biden to stand down never offer any evidence of a single policy failure of Mr Biden. – Yours, etc,
DESMOND FitzGERALD,
The Hague,
The Netherlands.
Sir, – Joe Biden is a giant. He saved the world from Donald Trump in 2020. He has been an excellent US president. But it is time for Mr Biden to consider his position properly and make a personal sacrifice for the sake of his country. And he has made many in his time.
Patriotism comes in many forms. Sacrifice is the loneliest. Donald Trump is eminently beatable. But the polls are telling us the same thing our eyes told us on debate night. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL DEASY,
Bandon,
Co Cork.
Sir, – Actor George Clooney believes Joe Biden is unfit for the role of president of the United States.
What does George think Mr Biden should do in his retirement, sell coffee capsules? – Yours, etc,
EUGENE TANNAM,
Firhouse,
Dublin 24.