I’m counting on Jill Biden to take my advice about what Joe should do next | Opinion

Step down, Joe

After watching the presidential debate, I knew I had to do something. So I sent a letter to First Lady Jill Biden, saying that she was the most influential person in her husband’s life and that our democracy rests on the outcome of the November election. Her husband has served our country for over 50 years, as a senator, vice president and president — a mighty record with multiple achievements. I concluded that now is time for him to gracefully step down and allow the Democratic Party to select a younger candidate. I hope she hears my call.

Ruth Zalph, Chapel Hill

Sticking with Biden

The writer is president of Progressive Democrats of Wake County.

I beg to differ with Associate Opinion Editor Ned Barnett’s June 29 assessment of the presidential debate. If one debate makes the difference, Walter Mondale should have been elected in 1984. President Reagan came back strong in the second debate and won the race in a landslide.

President Biden has done more in three and a half years than most presidents have done in eight. He picked this nation off its knees after the pandemic and the worst economic downturn in decades and resurrected it at home and abroad.

The American Rescue Plan Act, Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure deal created one of the best economies in decades. Trump’s four years in office were a disaster for the country. He has made clear he’s out for revenge and will repeat some of the same stuff. I’ll take Biden with a cold any day over a seditious, fear-mongering liar like Trump. I am still ridin’ with Biden.

Henry Jarrett, Raleigh

Neither should run

The presidential debate we witnessed was pathetic. Neither candidate should be on any party ticket. I’m almost 79 and in good health, however, I know my own limitations. I can’t begin to believe that either man is up for the job and the complex problems we must deal with going forward. I only hope young people get more involved and start running for office. They have a lot of skin in this game. Wisdom comes with age and that which I’ve gained tells me to step back and let the young people have their turn to lead. They can’t do any worse than their parents and grandparents have already done.

Carol Sharp, Clayton

GOP overreach

The current majority in our legislature continues to micromanage our culture. They intrude into so many areas — academic freedom of public school teachers and university professors, women’s healthcare, ballot access and wearing masks for medical reasons. If only they showed the same concern for gun violence, requiring effective background checks and eliminating the most destructive weapons. What has happened to Republicans who championed small government and protection of individual liberties? Their authoritarian tactics are more like the fascism of another era. Don’t they understand this, or maybe they just don’t care.

Thomas K. Spence Jr., Sanford

Immunity ruling

The Supreme Court ruling creating presidential immunity infuriates me. It amounts to a radical change to the Constitution. The court has essentially radically increased the powers of the presidency with only the votes of six conservatives, including two who should have either recused themselves or been forced to recuse. This irrational ruling eradicates the principle that no man is above the law. It must be rescinded by whatever lawful means required, which will require a Democratic president and Congress.

Howard Partner, Durham

School vouchers

The writer is a retired UNC System vice president and helped to create the Friends of Public Education Steering Committee.

Contrary to the levels of support for so-called Opportunity Scholarships that Robert Luebke cites in his June 27 Opinion piece, he knows full well that the great majority of North Carolinians support our public schools and do not support the constitutionally questionable practice of using tax dollars to support universal vouchers for private and religious education.

Citizens are pushing back hard across the state on the North Carolina General Assembly’s attack on public education — and at least some in the N.C. House are paying attention.

Charles Coble, Chapel Hill

This story was originally published July 7, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "I’m counting on Jill Biden to take my advice about what Joe should do next | Opinion."