John McCain

The Nov. 21 commentary by Elizabeth Drew regarding attacks against Sen. John McCain was most interesting. Those doing the attacking are Republicans. Should McCain win the nomination, the same people will fall all over themselves praising him and trying to gain his blessings. He is only now being attacked because he is No. 2 in the polls and closing.

The Republican Party (and indeed both parties) needs people of character and integrity. While trying to win votes, the Republicans have attempted to contrast themselves with the supposedly scuzzy Democrats. They talked of campaign finance reform, term limits, no pork and responsiveness to the voters. Now the Republicans are in control of the Congress, and one of their own has demanded conformance with those commitments and is belittled. It is no wonder that McCain is upset.

If the Republican Party is to win the White House, it will be done on the basis of quality and integrity--characteristics that McCain has in abundance.

WILLIAM J. McLAUGHLIN

Claremont

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Thank you for your Nov. 23 editorial, “Shameful Slander of a Maverick.” As a Vietnam veteran, I too am appalled by the shameful behavior of Sen. Trent Lott and others who have launched their dirty little “whispering campaign” against McCain.

I’m left to ponder the fact that Lott did not serve in the military during the Vietnam War. Like Bill Clinton, he found a way to avoid military service. Now he and his ilk find it convenient to attack a Vietnam veteran for having served. Obviously, being an ultraconservative Republican and serving your country like a patriot in a time of war are two different things.

KEN WILLIS

Upland

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Your editorial quite properly describes the attacks on McCain as “inexcusably shameful.” Yet, on Page A5, The Times reiterates the same drivel. Why does The Times publish that which it claims to abhor? Seems that your purpose is not to defend McCain against shameful attacks but rather, as usual, to engage in Republican-bashing on all fronts.

GEORGETTE RENATA

HERGET

Culver City