Sounding off: Presidential politics

Trump is a real leader who cares

I wanted to reply to the letter “Doesn’t Trump care, or does he think we’re stupid?” (Aug. 13, TribLive), but I found I couldn’t because he didn’t give any specifics about what had upset him. But I can reply to the tone of it.

I believe Donald Trump does care, or else why would he put up with the constant abuse he’s had to endure ever since he stopped being a political donor and became a candidate? A Republican candidate to boot.

Trump is a real person, with real strengths and real weaknesses. But he is a leader. He is not a manufactured image that uses words but doesn’t say anything. Neither is he a new creature for every audience he addresses. He is often not likeable. He doesn’t try to be. He speaks his mind, and forget the torpedoes.

I think the people of the United States are (hopefully) tired of phonies. I am.

Dan Egan

Pitcairn

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Trump is stale, Harris is vibrant

In 2016, Donald Trump became a vibrant alternative to traditional politicians and won the presidential election. In 2024, he has become stale bread and an old Elvis. He should rename his plane “Whiner One” because it seems that’s all he does.

From what I’ve seen, his crowds have dwindled. His long, rambling, incoherent epiphany of grievances has become boring, even to some of his supporters. Unlike Kamala Harris, he rarely smiles. He scowls and talks about himself instead of policy. I think his campaign is in disarray and unable to control him. Neither he nor they have figured out how to combat Harris.

Added to this is the dismal performance of his running mate, JD Vance; on TV, he makes me wince, cringe and look away.

On the opposite side, Harris’ campaign has become a tidal wave of hope and enthusiasm. She and running mate Gov. Tim Walz have caught the imagination of the American public as Trump did in 2016. She always smiles and talks about the policies she intends to implement to improve people’s lives. And Walz was a great pick. As a veteran, teacher and coach, he epitomizes a Midwestern “regular Joe” who will fight for the people.

I would never count Trump out; a lot can happen over the next few months. But I think he’s in political trouble. As Nikki Haley keenly stated, “The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the one who wins this election.” This statement might be a prophetic indication of what the future holds.

Tom Tarosky

West Leechburg

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Harris must support ceasefire

Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid has reignited something that had been sorely missing in national politics: a sense of hope and excitement. Coconut tree memes all over TikTok. Pop stars declaring “Kamala IS brat.” The chance to make history by electing the first Black and Asian American woman as president.

Yet, despite this honeymoon phase, the Biden administration’s current stance on the conflict in Gaza threatens the campaign.

It’s time for Harris, Alle­gheny County’s elected officials, party members and delegates to take a bold stand and support the “Not Another Bomb” campaign.

With 83% of Democrats nationwide supporting a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, and many most of Pittsburgh residents demanding a divestment from Israel, our local leaders must reflect the will of their constituents. The ongoing violence has claimed over 40,000 Palestinian lives and pushed millions into starvation. This is a moral crisis that demands our immediate attention. By joining the “Not Another Bomb” movement, we can all urge Harris to enact an immediate arms embargo and support a permanent ceasefire.

Brian Nuckols

Wilkinsburg

The writer is a member of the Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists of America.

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Military criticism of Walz falls flat

Twenty-four years is four years longer than is required for a National Guard soldier to receive retirement pay. Gov. Tim Walz is an American and has the freedom to choose what he wants to do next. After serving his time in the military, he went into Congress and won. This attempt to discredit him falls flat and is weird. The Harris/Walz team is strong.

Laurie “Lucianne” Scheid

New Kensington

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Walz on weapons

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz adversely commented on the ownership of the AR-15 rifle by civilians, describing the AR-15 as a weapon of war. While the AR-15 resembles the U.S. service rifle, the M16, the AR-15 is a semiautomatic rifle, a type of arm first manufactured and sold in this country prior to World War I, whereas the M16 is a selective fire piece, one capable of full automatic fire, a la the machine gun, if you will.

Returning to weapons of war, the Springfield rifle, a bolt action piece, was the U.S. service rifle for many years, seeing service during World Wars I and II. The M1 carbine was a U.S. service arm, as was the M1 rifle, aka the Garand. Thousands of the above mentioned were sold, by the government, to American citizens, the sun continuing to rise and set daily.

Should it turn out that Walz is opposed to the civilian ownership of arms (it so appears), he should so state, taking such heat as that position might generate. As for this weapons of war business, that sad song should long since have been put to bed.

Alan Schultz

McCandless

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Nurses are to care for all, regardless of circumstance

I am so disturbed and disappointed by the political ad featuring Arizona Rep. Julie Willoughby, who is a nurse. Does she not remember the modern rendition of the Nightingale Pledge that includes commitments to dedicate oneself to the welfare of those entrusted to their care, practice the art and science of nursing with integrity and compassion, and recognize the dignity and worth of each individual, regardless of background or circumstances?

Judy Nedley

Manor

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Free-market economy is the answer

Tired of high prices for food, gasoline, prescription meds? And the list goes on. The concept of price fixing is a first step to socialism. It has been tried in other countries and it has failed. A free-market economy is the answer.

Bill Burdett

West Deer