Character faults leave us to focus on policies

In his June 5 letter to the editor, Ken Skelnik asked if readers “could look into a mirror” and justify casting a vote for former President, Donald Trump in November? Mr. Skelnik then cited reasons (mainly words, deeds, and attitudes of Mr. Trump) that should make it impossible for sane individuals to vote for Mr. Trump. Essentially, he posits that Mr. Trump’s “character” should disqualify him for a return to the presidency. That is a fair point, and I stipulate that I cannot make a case that Mr. Trump is a “man of good character.”

But what is not fair is the writer’s failure to look in a different “mirror” and assess the character of Mr. Trump’s likely opponent — President Joe Biden. That is the true issue facing voters. After contrasting accepted attributes of good character with what is known about Mr. Biden’s life and career, most would conclude he Is not “a man of good character” either.

Early aspects of Mr. Biden’s public life are unflattering. Several sources describe him as a chronic fabulist and outright liar and “horribly unprincipled.” More recently, Mr. Biden has been accused of fostering dubious financial dealings with foreign corporations and governments and with “cavalierly mishandling” important documents, and more.

Thus, we seem to have a tie — neither candidate qualities as a “man of good character.” Logically, voters’ attention should turn to their view of the likely policies either candidate would push in the next administration.

If you want more failed Afghanistan withdrawals, more insane open borders, more inflation, more college-loan forgiveness, more unsustainable national debt, higher taxes, weaker national defense, higher energy costs, more bungled foreign affairs (as with the wars in Ukraine and Israel) — the choice is clear: Biden. If you want something better: Trump. If you want “character”: Neither.

Charles F. Falk

Schaumburg