Kamala’s moment of truth

Joe Biden finally gave in to pressure from the Democratic Party and dropped his re-election bid, paving the way for Vice-President Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump in the November 5 elections. Now, it is on Kamala to win over the American voters. Notably, Donald Trump’s popularity has soared in view of the attempt on his life during a recent Pennsylvania rally. So, she faces the tough challenge of mobilising voters behind her by convincing them that she is the better candidate. From gun violence to social unrest, there are a lot of issues that will weigh heavily on the American electorate. If Kamala does win over the voters and prevail over Trump in the race to the White House, India will have a reason to celebrate.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur

Biden read the writing on the wall

Apropos of the front-page news report ‘Joe, Bye-den’; it is a relief that good sense has finally prevailed. President Joe Biden read the writing on the wall and decided to step aside. Not only has he dropped out of the presidential race, but he has also endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris, who is replacing him at the top of the ticket. His decision, though belated, will probably save his party an ignominious defeat in the elections later this year. Kamala has already created history by becoming the first non-White woman presidential nominee. Hopefully, she will use up the time left until the polls wisely to defeat Donald Trump.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

It’s over for President Biden

With reference to the story ‘Joe, Bye-den’; the incumbent US President caved to growing pressure from some of his closest allies to bow out of the race amid deep concerns about his advanced age, his ability to lead the country for another four years and his viability as a candidate to take on the Republican contender. Several prominent Democrats wasted no time in throwing their weight behind Vice-President Kamala Harris after it was announced that she would seek the Democratic presidential nomination.

Rukma Sharma, Jalandhar

A debate cost Biden dear

Joe Biden’s decision to not seek re-election has been welcomed by other Democrats, and understandably so. His shaky performance during the debate with Donald Trump last month had magnified his age and frailty. It is laudable that the incumbent pulled out of the contest well in time, giving Kamala sufficient time to build her campaign and raise funds. Kamala has long been seen as a much younger but well-experienced and popular alternative to Biden. Hopefully, she will give Trump a tough fight.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

A lesson for India

Refer to ‘Bangladesh in turmoil’; the violent protests that have erupted in the neighbouring country are a reminder of the perils of a de-facto one-party system. Since Bangladesh’s apex court has slashed the quota that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in the 1971 war of independence to 5 per cent, the students have called off the stir. But the episode carries an important lesson — when the citizens of a country have no real alternatives to their leaders, unrest and violence are more likely to break out. The spell of violence in the neighbouring country should serve as a warning for other South Asian nations.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Communal harmony at stake

Incidents of violence during the Kanwar Yatra mar the jollity and sanctity of the pilgrimage. Authorities must take steps to avoid a clash between kanwariyas and Muslim shopkeepers. It is important to note that even a minor altercation over the sale of meat can lead to vandalism or murder. The BJP-led UP government must not take any decision that could further inflame tensions. The diktat mandating food and beverage shops to display the name and identity of the owner or operator will only stoke more division. Such moves aimed at electoral gains threaten public safety and disturb communal harmony.

Sahleen Kaur, Ludhiana

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit.

These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com