Editorials

For president, Joe Biden

We are in the midst of a presidential in presidential leadership is necessary election like no other in our for the good of our country, and for the lifetime. Although the structure of the continuation of our democratic system race is familiar — two major political party of government. slates contesting one another, and several We are not unaware that in nearly fringe competitors — the real focus in four years in office, Trump has accrued this election has little to do with the several accomplishments — many of issues and policies that differentiate the which are particularly appreciated by contestants. Instead, we are in the unique members of our community. And we circumstance where this presidential acknowledge that, in the process, Trump election turns on voter opinion of the has been remarkably faithful to his incumbent, President Donald Trump, and base and has delivered on many of his whether he has the character, fitness, campaign promises. But that is all beside temperament and competence to lead us the point. That’s because irrespective of for another four years. our views on each of the policy issues,

We all know that there are those who we cannot ignore Trump’s frightening love Trump, and those who don’t. That character flaws and inclinations that is to be expected in any political race have infected his presidency. involving multiple party representatives. The concerns are many, and each But what is different this year is that is significant. Trump’s narcissism, even voters who otherwise might be isolationism, fearmongering and sympathetic to a more conservative promotion of hate and demagoguery approach to government are weighing reflect a troubling combination of whether they want four more years of personality flaws and political tactics Trump, or whether they have had enough. that are unbecoming of the leader of the

We fall solidly in the camp that has free world. His inability to engage civilly had enough. We believe that a change with opponents, wholly uninformed rejection of science and medical guidance, and unrepentant disregard for the truth leaves voters with little choice but to consider alternatives. Finally, Trump’s disdain for process, disrespect for historic international and domestic governing structures and procedures, moody unpredictability and flip-flops on policy issues, incessant public criticism of those with whom he disagrees — including his own administration’s leadership — and cavalier practice of governing by tweet, all contribute to the perception that Trump’s world is untethered from reality and places our government and each of us at risk.

Trump’s America is not the America we want.

Fortunately, we have a quality alternative. Joe Biden is a decent, kind and caring human being, a longtime friend of our community and a steady presence and experienced hand who can restore civility, kindness and compassion to our domestic discourse and who can

Please see President, page 26

Barrett is qualified

Judge Amy Coney Barrett is In an unusual year marked by impressive. She is intelligent, the chaos of the coronavirus and articulate, confident and poised, the heightened political posturing and performed well in her public prompted by the impending national testimony over several days of lengthy election, the Barrett nomination proceedings last week before the U.S. process stands out as a naked power Senate Judiciary Committee. Barrett has move by politicians in a position to served as a judge on the U.S. Court of effect their will. And they have every Appeals for the Seventh Circuit for the right to do so. past three years. She has outstanding But it was the political reality of the credentials, and is President Donald Barrett hearings, and the opposition’s Trump’s nominee to fill the U.S. Supreme recognition that Republicans have the Court seat held by the late Justice votes to elevate Barrett, that resulted in Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her nomination, actual “questioning” at the hearing to be hearing and anticipated Senate vote very limited. Instead, most of the time have been rushed by the administration was spent by senators (on both sides) and its Republican allies in an effort to making speeches and pandering to their seat Trump’s third Supreme Court pick base, only asking questions designed to before next month’s election. underline a particular political point. Not surprisingly, Barrett refused to take the bait. She was disciplined in her responses, yet polite and unemotional in the face of repeated challenges and attempted provocation.

There’s a lot at stake. As another staunchly conservative justice on the Court, Barrett could pull decisions away from the 5-4 seesaw of recent decades and set it firmly on the conservative side. Democrats fear that could spell the end of the Affordable Care Act and return abortion rights to the whim of state government, where they were half a century ago.

Politics aside, there were revelatory moments during the hearings. On the

Please see Barrett, page 26