An alternative to Biden and Harris?

Sir, – Michael McDowell is just the latest to jump on the media bandwagon, writing the political obituary for Joe Biden (“Democrats need an alternative to Biden and Harris”, Opinion & Analysis, July 3rd). The suggested alternative ticket consisting of Gavin Newsom, governor of California, and Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, seems to be thrown around like confetti at a wedding all of a sudden. Where were Mr Newsom and Ms Whitmer when the Democratic primaries and caucuses were taking place?

Joe Biden, for all his failings or obvious weaknesses, has secured the majority of pledged delegates of the Democratic party.

It also seems missing from much of the media commentary that he has beaten Donald Trump once before, unlike any of his untested suggested replacements.

Mr Biden has not managed to maintain longevity in American political life by dropping out or quitting. I don’t expect him to start now. – Yours, etc,

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STEPHEN O’HARA,

Carrowmore,

Sligo.

A chara, – Joe Biden has been an excellent US president, vice-president, and lawmaker. Arguably second to none. He has been a great friend to Ireland, a true American hero and a compassionate world leader.

It is with sadness and respect that I believe the time has come for Mr Biden to retire from the presidential race. The debate confirmed a pattern we had seen and suspected.

Mr Biden will have better days but the bad days will become more frequent because time is simply not on his side. The future will be one of anxious anticipation and dread. His family may be too close to offer him objective advice, as is nearly always the case. Insiders are almost always wrong and badly motivated.

Mr Biden, we are in your debt. – Yours, etc,

PADRAIC MURRAY,

Dún Laoghaire,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – I am a bit puzzled as to why Irish Times columnists and letter-writers put forward their views on the Joe Biden situation.

I doubt that their opinion matters – or is made known – to those who matter and decide the outcome. – Yours, etc,

SEAN O’BYRNE,

Sallins,

Co Kildare.

Sir, – If Joe Biden had picked a different person to be his running mate in 2020, the Democrats would not be where they are now.

Living in the US in the run- up to the 2020 election, Amy Klobuchar was being named as a potential vice-presidential pick. At the time she had an excellent record as senator for the state of Minnesota, was popular with both blue-collar and white-collar voters and had “across the aisle” “appeal.

The term “coastal elite”, which Republicans so like to throw about, could not be used in relation to her.

But being female was not enough.

Kamala Harris has not had a good run as vice-president, and has dire polling scores.

I believe we would already have President Klobuchar in the White House and she would be wiping the floor with Donald Trump in the debates. And Republicans who put country before party would be voting for her also.

But the Democrats are where they are, and the world waits.

Perhaps Mr Biden knows it too. – Yours, etc,

ORLA GILHOOLY,

Clontarf,

Dublin 3.

Sir, – The one relevant person who does not seem to want Mr Biden to withdraw is Donald Trump.

Perhaps the Democratic party should reflect on that. – Yours, etc,

JAMES CRUICKSHANK,

Headford,

Co Galway.