Evan Vucci / Pool via CNP
The Issue: President Biden’s Oval Office address on his decision not to run for reelection.
Why does it seem that President Biden’s aides continue to prank us (“Joe’s Sad Farewell,” Editorial, July 25)?
During his Oval Office farewell address, the teleprompter was set so high he looked like he was staring into space.
Biden went on to tell the nation that the crime rate is at 50-year low, and the border crossings are lower than the “previous” administration.
If he believes such fallacies, it really is a good thing Biden isn’t running.
Nicholas Maffei
Yonkers
Some people are miffed by the fact that Biden did not articulate a precise reason for not running again.
I was not, however.
It was clear that he was pushed out by powerful Democrats and donors who closed their pocketbooks.
You can hardly expect Biden to say that in his address to the nation.
After his debate with former President Donald Trump, the “bad night” excuse could no longer hold up.
Some say that politics is a blood sport. That is exactly what we witnessed.
Phil Serpico
Queens
The most deplorable part of Biden’s withdrawal as the nominee is listening to the accolades now being heaped on him by fellow Democrats saying that Biden is a selfless patriot who is putting the country first.
These are the same people who propped him up for the last 3 ¹/₂ years — then, one by one, lined up to put the proverbial dagger in his back. It is utterly shameful.
Peter W. Kelly
Hazlet, NJ
Trump dodged (another) bullet Wednesday night during Biden’s address to the nation.
There was speculation Biden would have a “come to Jesus” moment and make history by resigning from office while offering the reason why he withdrew from the race.
He did neither.
Instead, he regurgitated the same old “democracy in peril” campaign speech while disingenuously pretending to serve truth, honesty and decency, while giving feeble props to Vice President Kamala Harris.
It’s a good thing he didn’t step down.
Resigning would have given Harris the power of incumbency, which would have been bad for Trump.
Running against the VP is less of a challenge.
Frank Russo
Centereach
The Issue: Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation as Secret Service director following Congressional hearing.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is the umpteenth government official to claim “full responsibility” for some massive failing in recent memory (“Secret Service exit,” July 24).
Cheatle may have reluctantly resigned her prestigious job, but shouldn’t she still be criminally prosecuted for her negligence?
Had she done her job as Secret Service director, security would have been routinely directed onto the roof from which Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman at Bethel, Pa., subsequently shot and killed Corey Comperatore in his attempt to assassinate Trump.
Cheatle failed in her duty to keep Trump safe.
Richard Siegelman
Plainview
Kimberly Cheatle’s departure from the Secret Service, along with President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection this November, are very positive developments for our nation as a whole.
Countless Americans have completely lost faith in our government.
However, we still have a long way to go as our Department of Justice has been weaponized to target and persecute former President Donald Trump and other conservatives.
Many more government officials should step down for the good of our country as well.
Michael Pravica
Henderson, Nev.
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