Ignoring Trump’s slips as we fret over Biden’s
Bronx: The media has made much ado about President Biden’s gaffes during the recent debate but has too often ignored Donald Trump’s numerous flubs while on the campaign trail.
Who remembers Donny referring to Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as “the leader of Turkey”? Or his announcing “a big hello to Sioux Falls” when he was actually speaking in Sioux City? His suggestion that “nuking” or dropping a bomb inside the eye of a hurricane would disrupt it? That the sound emitted by windmills causes cancer? That the Continental Army “took over the airports” during the Revolutionary War? That ingesting disinfectant could stop COVID? His confusing former President Barack Obama with Biden for the third time in several months? And his confusing presidential rival Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi?
That said, Trump’s most glaring and baffling error occurred during the 2023 trial for the lawsuit filed by former columnist E. Jean Carroll. Shown a photo taken in 1987 of Trump and his first wife, Ivana, at a social event with another couple, Trump misidentified the other woman in the photo — twice — as his second wife, Marla Maples.
The woman in the photo was the plaintiff, Carroll, who he claimed he had never met. And Trump didn’t marry Maples until six years later, in 1993. Mike Dangelo
Petulant performance
Manhattan: Did I watch the same debate in which people recalled Trump’s cool behavior? The one I saw showed Trump making faces the whole time President Biden was talking, like a pre-teen boy. Were we on different channels? Marilyn Levin
Dishonest debater
Smithtown, L.I.: Voicer Lois Pounds accused Trump of 34 blatant lies and said Biden suffered from information overload. Here’s some of the information overload: Biden claimed Trump told people to inject bleach, and lied about what Trump said about Charlottesville, Va. Biden mentioned “bloodbath” taken completely out of context (Trump meant the auto industry). Trump never told his supporters to be violent on Jan. 6 and has never been indicted for it. Biden lied about the tax cuts only helping the wealthy and said Trump is planning to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. I think Biden was well prepared to misrepresent and personally attack Trump. Andrew Ross
Waxed eloquent
Smithfield, R.I.: Ladies and gentlemen, we have this year’s new poet laureate and philosopher queen: Congratulations, Voicer Lois Pounds. You have a magnificent way with words! God bless you! Stephen DeFalco
Tearing him down
Bronx: President Biden has indicated that he plans to stay in the race despite his so-called losing performance in the debate. It is my strong opinion that the current president won that debate hands down. Does anyone take into account that Donald Trump consistently lied about the facts throughout that debate? He seems to live in a self-enclosed world where he wins everything and his performance as president is unmatched. Yes, it was unmatched, as there are plenty of surveys and opinions that he was the worst president in history. Maybe his performance on stage is better, but I come from an era where the truth matters and a person’s accomplishments in office are of paramount importance. To all these Democratic leaders looking for Biden to withdraw: Stop what you are doing to this great man. You are fueling Trump’s campaign when our country’s democracy is at stake. Maurice F. DePalo
They earned him
Clearwater, Fla.: Re “Clooney latest celeb to give up on prez” (July 11): Lies and the biggest cover-up ever put Biden where he is today. The Democratic Party got exactly what it asked for and deserves Biden as their candidate — even though they now choose to dump him. And unless Biden chooses to end his presidential campaign, love him or leave him, Biden is their man. JoAnn Lee Frank
Supreme misbehavior
Merced, Calif.: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has filed impeachment charges against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. The only time a Supreme Court justice was impeached was in 1805, when the House voted to impeach Samuel Chase (who was a Founding Father who signed the Declaration of Independence) and then the Senate acquitted him. Article 3 of the Constitution says that judges shall hold offices during good behavior. That is not true of Thomas or Alito, who are not holding good behavior in the chambers of the Supreme Court. One faces a gift-giving violation, the other has a wife who is a Trump supporter. The approval ratings of the court are at their lowest levels in 90 years. Trump, if elected to a second term, may appoint judges there, but will have lower approval ratings on the court and on his job approval. John Huerta
Forced displacement
Providence, R.I.: Re “Israel orders evacuation of Gaza City in Hamas pursuit” (July 11): Once again, by strict decree / Gazans are enjoined to flee / There’s no safety far or near / Bibi hopes they’ll disappear. Felicia Nimue Ackerman
Commandeered cars
Brick, N.J.: Voicer Vince Sgroi hit the nail on the head with “ghost” cars becoming unmarked NYPD vehicles. Back with the inception of the elite Anti-Crime Unit, unclaimed autos from the car pound were given to each precinct. The 41st Precinct had a 1966 Ford Mustang and a 1970 Ford Torino to use. They were much better than the typical unmarked autos. They discontinued the program because there was not enough money in the budget to stock parts. Bigger budget today. Bring it back. Billy Rath
Trash idea
Brooklyn: The mayor has announced that homeowners must go to the unnecessary expense of replacing their perfectly serviceable trash cans with “official NYC logo trash bins” at a cost of $50 per bin (“City anti-rat race is on,” July 9). When composting arrived in my district last year, we ordered and had delivered a complimentary brown compost bin. Why are we not receiving complimentary trash and recycling bins as part of this new mandate? A program to provide homeowners with a complimentary starter set of trash bins should be implemented. If additional bins are needed, they could be purchased at homeowners’ expense. Who cares if the new bins have the NYC logo? The side-loading trucks for which these bins were designed aren’t going to be used throughout the city for many years. Alice H.O. Garelick
Fresh from the farm
Manhattan: This Saturday and every Saturday this summer, Team Unity will host a farmers market on 125th St. and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for everyone to have access to purchase fresh, affordable produce. We are inviting you to attend our market or maybe even cover it as a story or highlight so we may shed more light on the importance of being and eating healthy, and having the ease and the ability to get fresh, farmed fruits and vegetables all summer long. Nana Samake
Wrong focus
Greenwich, Conn.: On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our independence with fireworks. Macy’s and those in charge of production should have their heads examined. We want to see fireworks! Not some singers and close-ups of people of no interest. This is not a concert! Kevin O’Connor
Prejudice reveal
Manhattan: To Voicer Steve Ditlea: I get it, you’re embarrassed at exposing yourself as the transphobe you are. My initials should mean nothing to you. Fallani? It’s an ancient Roman name, and I hail from a family of great Italian artists. My father was a Marine and I use his name proudly. No, I’m not a bot. You did make an “idiotic diatribe” and you still don’t get that your letters were purposely published to show your hatred and ignorance. You need me to be a bot to assuage your embarrassment, and I get it. I’d be embarrassed, too, if I exposed myself that way for the world to see. And I’d bet my next paycheck that you’re just angry that a gender reveal wasn’t what you thought it was and now you look unhinged. Work on those issues, sir. T.S. Fallani