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How the Two Parties and Their Voters View the Election How the Two Parties and Their Voters View the Election
(about 3 hours later)
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Re “Biden Faces Polarized U.S. as Vote Nears” (White House Memo, front page, Nov. 7):Re “Biden Faces Polarized U.S. as Vote Nears” (White House Memo, front page, Nov. 7):
The framing of your headline and the reference to “polarizing politics” within the article are deeply destructive. While the Democratic Party has become more progressive in working to defeat climate disaster and advancing the rights of our most vulnerable citizens, it remains overwhelmingly centrist by global standards.The framing of your headline and the reference to “polarizing politics” within the article are deeply destructive. While the Democratic Party has become more progressive in working to defeat climate disaster and advancing the rights of our most vulnerable citizens, it remains overwhelmingly centrist by global standards.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party embraces a leader and national candidates who openly demonize those with differing views, incite violence against them, and undermine our Constitution’s promise of a democratic republic by attacking voting rights and democracy itself.Meanwhile, the Republican Party embraces a leader and national candidates who openly demonize those with differing views, incite violence against them, and undermine our Constitution’s promise of a democratic republic by attacking voting rights and democracy itself.
Republicans, of course, love to hear today’s politics framed as “polarization,” which implicitly tells readers that “both sides” bear blame. But such false equivalency is neither fair nor objective.Republicans, of course, love to hear today’s politics framed as “polarization,” which implicitly tells readers that “both sides” bear blame. But such false equivalency is neither fair nor objective.
Let’s hope that voters choose the party and candidates that favor progress toward multiracial democracy over a descent toward authoritarianism.Let’s hope that voters choose the party and candidates that favor progress toward multiracial democracy over a descent toward authoritarianism.
Jeff MilchenBozeman, Mont.The writer is the founder of Reclaim Democracy!Jeff MilchenBozeman, Mont.The writer is the founder of Reclaim Democracy!
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Re “In Rich Suburb, Republicans vs. ‘Trumplicans’” (front page, Nov. 7), about Greenwich, Conn.:Re “In Rich Suburb, Republicans vs. ‘Trumplicans’” (front page, Nov. 7), about Greenwich, Conn.:
Democrats trade in hysteria in their last-ditch attempts to save the midterms. “Our democracy teeters at the abyss” is the pitch, both depressing and untrue. American democracy will prevail as it always has.Democrats trade in hysteria in their last-ditch attempts to save the midterms. “Our democracy teeters at the abyss” is the pitch, both depressing and untrue. American democracy will prevail as it always has.
At the same time, the continuing efforts of Donald Trump and his supporters to undermine the public’s confidence in the system of free elections that binds us together is unforgivable, nothing more than vanity and poor sportsmanship.At the same time, the continuing efforts of Donald Trump and his supporters to undermine the public’s confidence in the system of free elections that binds us together is unforgivable, nothing more than vanity and poor sportsmanship.
I was 8 years old when John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon in the presidential election of 1960. The race was so close that we didn’t know until the next morning that Kennedy had won. There were said to be irregularities in the voting. Nevertheless, Nixon conceded graciously because it was best for the country and because his devotion to his party was real.I was 8 years old when John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon in the presidential election of 1960. The race was so close that we didn’t know until the next morning that Kennedy had won. There were said to be irregularities in the voting. Nevertheless, Nixon conceded graciously because it was best for the country and because his devotion to his party was real.
For all that Trump supporters boast endlessly of their “patriotism,” it could be argued that those of us proud to be called RINOs are the true patriots.For all that Trump supporters boast endlessly of their “patriotism,” it could be argued that those of us proud to be called RINOs are the true patriots.
Margaret McGirrGreenwich, Conn.Margaret McGirrGreenwich, Conn.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Dan Barry’s writing compelled me to seek a new perspective — the perspective of a polarized nation. Although this article focused on one town, it’s important to note that this is a national issue. When a person has strong ties to their political party, it often encourages the villainization of the opposing party. We must ask ourselves, “What progress can truly be made if we don’t work together?”Dan Barry’s writing compelled me to seek a new perspective — the perspective of a polarized nation. Although this article focused on one town, it’s important to note that this is a national issue. When a person has strong ties to their political party, it often encourages the villainization of the opposing party. We must ask ourselves, “What progress can truly be made if we don’t work together?”
I urge each reader to form their own opinions and not be swayed by political figures or polarizing language. We must learn to be mindful of how we encourage polarization through our interactions with people of opposing or similar views. How can we expect to be listened to if we do not first listen to others?I urge each reader to form their own opinions and not be swayed by political figures or polarizing language. We must learn to be mindful of how we encourage polarization through our interactions with people of opposing or similar views. How can we expect to be listened to if we do not first listen to others?
The next time you’re in a political setting or conversation, look for similarities and not differences. Look for hope and not despair. Look for progress and not conformity within your party.The next time you’re in a political setting or conversation, look for similarities and not differences. Look for hope and not despair. Look for progress and not conformity within your party.
Peyton SchooneMinden, Neb.Peyton SchooneMinden, Neb.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Re “Republicans Are Doubling Down on Trumpism. It’s Going to Work,” by Daniel McCarthy (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, Nov. 6):Re “Republicans Are Doubling Down on Trumpism. It’s Going to Work,” by Daniel McCarthy (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, Nov. 6):
Mr. McCarthy argues that Republican voters are entrepreneurial, seeking the freshest, most exciting candidates. I have a different view. I’m convinced that Republican voters see politics as entertainment, not policy and governance.Mr. McCarthy argues that Republican voters are entrepreneurial, seeking the freshest, most exciting candidates. I have a different view. I’m convinced that Republican voters see politics as entertainment, not policy and governance.
The Republican Party increasingly resembles reality TV, replete with cartoonish, one-dimensional characters like Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Kari Lake, etc.The Republican Party increasingly resembles reality TV, replete with cartoonish, one-dimensional characters like Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Kari Lake, etc.
The attendees at Mr. Trump’s rallies look like the fans at pro wrestling matches. They cheer for those speakers who are most inclined to hit Democrats with metaphorical chairs and spew outrageous attacks. The wilder, the more fantastic, the better.The attendees at Mr. Trump’s rallies look like the fans at pro wrestling matches. They cheer for those speakers who are most inclined to hit Democrats with metaphorical chairs and spew outrageous attacks. The wilder, the more fantastic, the better.
For the Republican base, policy doesn’t matter. Democracy doesn’t matter. Elections are just seasons of the Trump reality show writ large. And, like pro wrestling, the faux villainy and outrageousness of the Republican spectacle have to keep getting notched up to keep the rubes entertained. Wait until the next election …For the Republican base, policy doesn’t matter. Democracy doesn’t matter. Elections are just seasons of the Trump reality show writ large. And, like pro wrestling, the faux villainy and outrageousness of the Republican spectacle have to keep getting notched up to keep the rubes entertained. Wait until the next election …
John RantaHancock, N.H.John RantaHancock, N.H.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Some have criticized Republicans for not having a plan to deal with inflation, despite the centrality of the issue to their case for election. This is unfair.Some have criticized Republicans for not having a plan to deal with inflation, despite the centrality of the issue to their case for election. This is unfair.
The plan is: Take credit if it subsides, and blame President Biden, who will conveniently still be in office, if it doesn’t.The plan is: Take credit if it subsides, and blame President Biden, who will conveniently still be in office, if it doesn’t.
Andrew RatzkinHastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.Andrew RatzkinHastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
I pray to God that sensible judges in the courts will save us from the election conspiracists as they did in 2020.I pray to God that sensible judges in the courts will save us from the election conspiracists as they did in 2020.
Mark BradyDix Hills, N.Y.Mark BradyDix Hills, N.Y.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Re “Many Muslims Are Ambivalent About Oz’s Milestone Run for Senate” (news article, Nov. 6):Re “Many Muslims Are Ambivalent About Oz’s Milestone Run for Senate” (news article, Nov. 6):
As a Turkish-American Muslim myself, I welcome Dr. Mehmet Oz’s not commenting on his faith or visiting mosques. I suggest that other candidates follow in his path and not turn houses of worship into stages for political theater. This is what separation of church (or in this case mosque) and state looks like.As a Turkish-American Muslim myself, I welcome Dr. Mehmet Oz’s not commenting on his faith or visiting mosques. I suggest that other candidates follow in his path and not turn houses of worship into stages for political theater. This is what separation of church (or in this case mosque) and state looks like.
Sadly, Americans have become all too accustomed to our leaders ignoring this basic tenet of democracy. It is now newsworthy when a politician does not muddy the waters with their religion, whereas the opposite should be the case.Sadly, Americans have become all too accustomed to our leaders ignoring this basic tenet of democracy. It is now newsworthy when a politician does not muddy the waters with their religion, whereas the opposite should be the case.
Sahin AltunerIzmir, TurkeySahin AltunerIzmir, Turkey
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff who sat passively on his office sofa while armed thugs attacked our Capitol, is still quietly sabotaging our democracy.Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff who sat passively on his office sofa while armed thugs attacked our Capitol, is still quietly sabotaging our democracy.
In “Republicans Begin a Push for Ballot Watching Ahead of Election Day” (news article, Nov. 6), you report that Mr. Meadows is a senior partner with the Election Integrity Network, which places hypervigilant trained observers in ballot processing centers to scrutinize the counting of ballots.In “Republicans Begin a Push for Ballot Watching Ahead of Election Day” (news article, Nov. 6), you report that Mr. Meadows is a senior partner with the Election Integrity Network, which places hypervigilant trained observers in ballot processing centers to scrutinize the counting of ballots.
How ironic! Mr. Meadows, champion of voter integrity, has a sketchy history in this area, most recently in September 2020 when he registered to vote in Macon County, N.C., using as his address a rural mobile home that his wife had rented briefly as a vacation home.How ironic! Mr. Meadows, champion of voter integrity, has a sketchy history in this area, most recently in September 2020 when he registered to vote in Macon County, N.C., using as his address a rural mobile home that his wife had rented briefly as a vacation home.
Mr. Meadows does not own or live at that property and is not known to have spent a single night there. Using that address, he was sent an absentee ballot by Macon County, and used it to vote.Mr. Meadows does not own or live at that property and is not known to have spent a single night there. Using that address, he was sent an absentee ballot by Macon County, and used it to vote.
Kate FahertyHillsborough, N.C.Kate FahertyHillsborough, N.C.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
My past observance of Kristallnacht (Nov. 9-10, 1938) was limited to attending a synagogue lecture to hear survivors and/or historians speak about how in a few short years Nazi antisemitism, which began with insulting and bullying Jews on the street, culminated in the largest pogrom in Western Europe since the Middle Ages.My past observance of Kristallnacht (Nov. 9-10, 1938) was limited to attending a synagogue lecture to hear survivors and/or historians speak about how in a few short years Nazi antisemitism, which began with insulting and bullying Jews on the street, culminated in the largest pogrom in Western Europe since the Middle Ages.
When I attend this year’s program, I won’t be thinking about the Jews in 1938 Germany, but Jews in 2022 America, where antisemitic incidents have risen to their highest levels in decades.When I attend this year’s program, I won’t be thinking about the Jews in 1938 Germany, but Jews in 2022 America, where antisemitic incidents have risen to their highest levels in decades.
Paul L. NewmanMerion Station, Pa.Paul L. NewmanMerion Station, Pa.
To the Editor:
It is well past time for the West to declare full speed ahead on indictments against Russia’s leadership for war crimes committed in Ukraine.
Further, it is well past time for those governments to start the process of forfeiture of the $300 billion of Russian assets frozen in the West and to state clearly that it will be Russian money that pays for reparations and rebuilding in Ukraine after the war.
Russia must be put on notice that the more it prosecutes this illegal war, the more it will need to pay to fix things and the greater the legal consequences for its leaders.
David TannerSan Diego