GOP Ticket

George W. Bush “burnished his credentials” as a candidate because he made an intelligent choice regarding his running mate? Sorry, George F. Will (Commentary, July 26), but I’m not buying it. Bush the younger will always lack “gravitas” because he speaks--too often in abject gibberish--with platitudes and hollow slogans. Bush does not shape or expand the national conversation, he merely follows and responds to it. Like his father, the “vision thing” eludes him.

George W. could resurrect the ghost of Abraham Lincoln himself and still be regarded as a lightweight. Instead, it appears he has chosen Richelieu.

DAVE MINAHAN

Long Beach

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* Chalk up a big plus for Bush in his selection of Dick Cheney as his running mate. Now, we await Al Gore’s decision. Cheney has expertise in areas where Bush does not, is liked, respected and would be a working VP, not a “backup man.”

As one who usually votes for the person rather than the party, I doubt that Gore can match the experience and talent of Cheney.

It’s time to clean the house of Madeleine Albright, Donna Shalala, Janet Reno and other ineffective administration officials. In my opinion, the president’s Cabinet is among the least productive we’ve ever been stuck with.

GARY TRAXLER

Oxnard

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* It looks like the Republicans want to give the nation a “Father Knows Best” rerun.

SALVADOR VELAZQUEZ

Norwalk

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* How interesting; the party of Lincoln truly believes in slavery (of women) in the selection of Cheney for its VP candidate. The last time a Bush ran, he also went more conservative, and Clinton was elected. Do I smell a repeat of the ’92 elections coming? Will the powers behind the Republican throne never learn?

I am a Republican moderate, certain now to vote for Gore!

DAVE FELT

Sierra Madre