To the editor:
It's looking more likely that the presidential campaign will be a replay between two octogenarians. If Frasier vs Ali was the rematch of the ages, this is the rematch of the aged. The Thrilla in Vanilla. The Rumble of the Bumbling-old-codgers.
In the right corner, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Donald "Bing Bong" Trump's shadow, maybe. Clearly, flesh-and-blood Trump weighs a heck of a lot more than that. And in the left corner, standing so long as the ground is level and weighing his words carefully, Joe "No Malarkey" Biden.
But enough of that metaphor. The major difference between 2024 and 2020 is that we now know how each man'll govern. We know that Biden will say things he should have self-censored, and Trump will say things that should get him charged with treason but won't. We know Biden will fail to take proper credit for his successes, and we know Trump will take credit for things he had nothing to do with. Most significantly, we know Biden will honor his oath of office, and we can safely assume based on past experience that Trump will not.
At least we know if Biden loses, he won't try to overthrow the government or lie for four years about how the election was rigged. We don't know, unfortunately, if Trump wins that he won't have Biden fitted for an iron mask and thrown into some Guantanamo dungeon.
Speaking of dungeons … it's taken four long years and millions in treasure to cross all Ts, dot all Is and finally bring charges against Trump, but it's only made him more popular with his base. The evidence supporting the charges he faces is overwhelming and undeniable, yet his arguments seeking vindication are basically that he should be immune from punishment because he was once POTUS. Not that he didn't do it, but that the government lacks standing to prosecute him. Still, his rabid fanboys want to reinstate him to pillage even more under the made-up umbrella of presidential immunity.
A judge recently asked Trump's legal team if this immunity he claims would protect him should he order a hit on his political rivals. Great question. If the answer's no, then there are limits to the immunity claim, and if yes, then Biden can order a contract on Trump under the same logic. But he wouldn't, because as a defense it's insane.
Some evidently feel that prosecuting Trump for laws he clearly broke is political retribution. What is it, 91 charges now? Personally, I think he's getting off easy. Here's a list of some of the things he did that he could be charged with but isn't: Numerous emoluments violations, dereliction of duty, malicious slander, rape, treason, more rape (this time involving a minor), sexual imposition, campaign finance crimes not involving Stormy Daniels and their coverup, destruction of presidential records, obstruction, collusion, filing false financial disclosures, Hatch Act violations … the list goes on.
In summation, Biden 2024 because -- holy crap -- the alternative.
J. David Core
Toronto