Regarding the June 28 front page article, “Biden struggles in tense debate”:
This was not a debate, it was a fiasco. Unless President Biden steps down as the Democratic nominee, the presidential election is over.
From the moment Biden stumbled onto the debate stage, I was shocked and sick. That feeling continued throughout this horrific, horrifying debate. Yes, Donald Trump lied. He lied all night, he lied every time he opened his mouth. But Biden seemed completely helpless to stem the tide of this garbage. And despite Trump's falsehoods, the former president seemed strong and competent. Biden looked like the proverbial deer in the headlights and sounded like a shell of his former self.
All the president needed to accomplish on Thursday night was to project strength and convince his party and swing voters that he was capable of four more years in office, and he failed every step of the way.
Biden says he loves this country and has spent his life defending our democracy, and there is no doubt that this is true. But it is time for this brave soldier to show his true love for America by stepping down. There are several Democratic governors who would be strong contenders and real challengers to Trump, including Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.
Henry A. Lowenstein, Newport, Rhode Island
President Richard M. Nixon's resignation came about because a group of prominent Republicans went to the White House and announced that it was time for him to resign. I expect the same from a group of prominent Democrats.
That's a shame. Who else but President Biden had the personal relationships and knowledge of how to get things done to achieve results on issues like infrastructure and prescription drugs? No other Democrat or Republican could have done that, and certainly not those who stood with him in the 2020 primary debates. But now Biden's determination puts America's democratic experiment at risk.
I expect calls (already underway) for Biden to step down and for Maryland Governor Wes Moore to announce his candidacy. Right now, the country needs someone “greater” than either side, someone who can build national unity and take power like Barack Obama. Moore has the makings and the personality to do it. And he has no strings attached.
Biden's poor performance in the debate was fortunate: it will wake him up and make him realize that although he was the right person at the right time, it was time for him to go.
Gary W. Litchfield, Rockville, MD
Democrats have a duty and responsibility to think outside the box and choose a successor to President Biden. It will show initiative, imagination and a strong sense of responsibility. Biden must be persuaded to step aside for the good of the country. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is a no-brainer. He will block President Donald Trump from taking office in his state, along with other battleground states.
Paul Schoenbaum, Richmond
We're lucky that the debate took place in June: President Biden's pick for vice president can now become the Democratic nominee, and Biden can do himself, and democracy more broadly, a favor by endorsing her.
Kamala D. Harris has the ability and wherewithal to run and win this campaign. Biden has supported women throughout his illustrious career. The day Biden announced his reelection campaign, I emailed the White House for the first time to express my disappointment and make it clear that I thought he had done a great job during his first term as President. But Biden’s work and the country were not fully served by seeking reelection. The decision implied that Biden still considered himself the best candidate, despite his age. Biden missed an opportunity to best serve his work and the country by paving the way for a woman to (finally!) become President. Biden’s support and advice based on his lifetime of experience and wisdom could help ensure Harris becomes the next President.
He can now reconsider that opportunity. It's not too late. He can go to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and give his full support to her candidacy. The Democrats will win, the country will win, and the nation, the world, will remember him with gratitude in the history books as the president who paved the way for a woman president and saved democracy from a time of crisis.
Mary Offerdahl, Ashburn, Virginia
After the first presidential debate, it is clear that President Biden is not fit to serve as president for the next four years. The Democratic Party must find a replacement. But let's not put Hillary Clinton in the job. She will not have enough support from enough people.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has the clarity, energy and vigor of someone much younger. His advocacy for universal health care will resonate with all Americans. His commitment to a foreign policy based on human rights will suit the growing number of Americans who are dissatisfied with our unconditional support for Israeli demands.
Another candidate would be Dennis J. Kucinich, a longtime member of Congress, known to Republicans as a Fox News commentator, and a skilled campaigner who has the courage and values ​​to tackle the pressing issues of our time: climate change, universal health care, and the future of democracy itself.
Esther Riley, Ithaca, New York
I support President Biden's life record. I believe in his personal roots in hardworking America. I respect his international experience and his ability to rally America's friends for a better world and against aggressive tyranny.
I was heartbroken to watch Biden struggle to speak energetically during Thursday night's debate, touting his record and plans. Some commentators have expressed similar concerns, arguing that it may be too late for Biden to step aside and find another worthy candidate to run against a man who cannot or will not remember the truth. Who could have the necessary credibility this late in the electoral process?
I am writing to urge you to consider Jill Biden as the best candidate to take over my husband's job. She is an incredible woman. She has been a quiet companion and support to her husband for many years. She can certainly carry on Biden's job of advancing America's future in a way that respects the nation's leading role in building from the middle and promoting peace, security, and serving the needs of our one and only home, the planet.
As President, Jill Biden will have the full support of Biden and benefit from Biden's lifetime of experience and wisdom. The pairing of Jill Biden and Kamala D. Harris will raise expectations for this female team to lead our country. The Biden campaign's momentum and track record will not be lost. I believe these women can break the political gridlock caused by U.S. and foreign politicians who care more about their own future than the real needs of the people. Let's nominate and elect Jill Biden for President.
Robert Graff, Springfield, Virginia
Democrats have a wealth of talent, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, Commerce Secretaries Gina Raimondo and Michelle Obama.
Any one of them would undoubtedly beat Donald Trump.
David Pederson, Excelsior, Minnesota
Joe Biden. Still Joe Biden.
Let's keep our eye on the ball. The president was not “excited.” Donald Trump seemed subdued. But we are not deciding roles, we are electing a president. Forget the presentation and focus on the facts. President Biden is still my choice.
Nancy Howard, Ocean City, MD
Despite a disappointing debate performance, highlighted by a clearly weak posture and weak voice, President Biden demonstrated experience, integrity and an understanding of the issues that affect our nation.
Donald Trump was clearly the more energetic. But when it comes to protecting our national sovereignty, energy alone is no guarantee. Trump's well-known character flaws often distract from his ignorance of the things essential to effective governance. But this time it was different. His ignorance was on full display.
The contrast between the competing visions could not be stark, but this election is not simply about different ideologies. The very survival of the republic is at stake. Voters must decide whether they want a clueless president who supports dismantling the Constitution, or one who is determined to do whatever it takes to protect it.
