The Issue: The debate between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron Desantis.
Gov. Gavin Newsom could have come across better during his debate performance (“Ron DeSantis, Gavin Newsom debate is a glimpse of sunshine, America,” Dec. 1).
He appeared to be slick, arrogant and disrespectful. He consistently tried to talk over Gov. Ron DeSantis in almost every question.
Newsom also largely refused to accept facts and statistics from DeSantis that demonstrated California’s problems.
Newsom even went on to state that the border was secure.
His obfuscation and ignorance on so many issues makes him unqualified.
Harold Fishman
Manhattan
The old saying that “figures don’t lie, but liars use figures” was on full display Thursday night as Newsom attempted to rationalize his failed policies against those of DeSantis.
Confronted with statistics on California’s high taxes, unemployment, crime and homelessness, Newsom resorted to a politician’s last resort when faced with the truth: He lied.
He denied every statistic and compounded those lies with ad hominem attacks on DeSantis, which the latter wisely ignored.
It didn’t matter what he said, as he wasn’t talking to the thinking public, but to the Democrats.
Jack Kaufman
Naples, Fla.
I was surprised to see Newsom, a modern-day snake-oil salesman, effortlessly lie while never answering a question.
I had just taken a pre-debate shower; after watching this slimeball in action, however, I felt so dirty that I had to take another one just to cleanse myself of from all of the lies being told on the television.
All I can say to the American people is: Please, don’t ever let this charlatan anywhere near the White House.
Eugene Dunn
Medford
The debate between DeSantis and Newsom was low comedy.
Newsom evaded nearly every question, opting instead to give campaign speeches.
Though, to be fair, Newsom was right that DeSantis should withdraw and throw his support behind Nikki Haley.
Hopefully, neither of these men gets close to the White House — unless they are taking a guided tour.
Rick Meyer
Pinehurst
The Issue: Congress’ expulsion of Rep. George Santos over allegations of fraud.
I find it sad that Congress’ ire was spent on Rep. George Santos (“Rep. George Santos vows to face impending expulsion vote: ‘I will not be resigning’,” Nov. 29).
It is possible that other people in Congress may have lied and padded their resumes.
If Santos committed fraud, we should just let it go through the criminal-justice system, as only in a court of law can guilt be determined.
Until then, under the presumption of innocence, he should continue to serve in Congress.
Otherwise, it sets a precedent that can be easily manipulated for political reasons, which is incredibly relevant in this era of partisanship.
Samuel Mark
Hempstead
At President Biden’s last State of the Union, Sen. Mitt Romney, when passing bye Santos, said to him: “You don’t belong here.”
Santos, of course, had definitely fabricated his background while running for Congress.
In his defense, however, he was one of the few in Congress who voted to increase the limit on local and state tax deductions on federal returns.
Romney, on the other hand, acquired hundreds of millions of dollars through his private-equity firm, potentially at the expense of the livelihoods of thousands of American workers.
So, this raises the question: Who doesn’t belong in Congress?
Chet Gerstenbluth
Hempstead
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