Reality check for Democrats

Re “California has a GOP problem,” and “The party of Larry Elder?” letters, Sept. 16

Your Sept. 16 issue was full of positive coverage for Gov. Gavin Newsom: “Big win sets up Newsom for reelection romp,” “Democrats find right formula” and so forth.

Readers’ letters were more measured — they said they voted to keep the Republicans out of power, not to support Newsom; that Republican Larry Elder ran on a ridiculous platform; and that the governor should stop the platitudes.

Democrats need to stop congratulating themselves. They still don’t admit the possibility that if former President Trump had not messed up his pandemic response, he probably would have been reelected. Alan Booth

Los Angeles