The least-bad candidate

To the Editor:

Now that we’ve had a full 10-minute rest from the political ads, it’s time to gear up for the 2024 presidential election. (Argh!) And since that clown in Florida — no, the other one — has already declared that he’s going to run, each side can start the process of choosing our next least-bad candidate.

Ah, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could just have two intelligent, thoughtful, civil people debating the best path for America? Not the guy who almost certainly will — and should — be indicted, who’s really stupid and has the ethics of a mobster. Or the other guy, who is clearly past his “useby” date, or the current VP, who’s just an empty suit.

An election casting people who aren’t yelling that “the other side” is un-american, socialist, fascist, woke — honest people with different visions for our country.

Here’s a fantasy for that election. How about:

In this corner, someone whose conservative credentials are impeccable, whose pedigree and courage are unquestioned, the distinguished representative from Wyoming, the honorable Liz Cheney.

And in the other corner, a former military officer, small-town mayor and current secretary of transportation, someone also with intelligence and courage and whose vision for America is clear and inclusive, the honorable Pete Buttigieg.

Okay, this is pure fantasy for a couple of reasons. First, Ms. Cheney had the audacity, the unmitigated gall, to present a logical, accurate picture of the White House criminal of her own party to the public. Why would that party even consider such a heretic for their party’s nomination?

And as for Mr. Buttigieg, well… you know, he’s “not like us.” He’s — oh my! — gay. Such a person leading our government? Oh, the horror.

So, instead, we’ll once again look for the least-bad candidate and almost certainly end up with just the opposite.

Gary Sipperley

Twain Harte