Polling for Answers to Leadership Questions

Re “Voters Shift in Favor of Kerry,” Times Poll, June 10: I note that the classic electoral question is whether voters will see more risk in stability or change in selecting our next president. The question appears to presume that there is stability at present and that, by reelecting President Bush, we will maintain stability. I believe that the issue and the question should be whether there is more risk in continuity or change. In this way, people first can determine whether there is stability or not.

There is considerable question as to whether this administration and its leader have produced and provided stability or if we have had excessive chaos and instability. Though Sen. John Kerry may not have demonstrated the vision, capabilities and other qualities of leadership many would like to see, I don’t know anyone, Democrat or Republican, who believes that we currently have stability, true clarity of direction or a commanding “stature” of leadership.

Sid Pelston

Marina del Rey

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Thank you for finally allowing candidate Kerry to make Page 1. He had to run up a big lead before The Times could finally acknowledge that he is a strong contender. You have done your best to banish serious discussion of Kerry and his campaign by putting coverage of it on Page 20 or so, day after day. Gone are the days when a Democratic candidate for major office could get frequent coverage in the first several pages of The Times. To get to Page 1, the Kerry campaign had to open up a huge lead, one that has been strangely undetected until now.

Peter Force

Venice

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The question “Will voters see more risk in stability or change?” reminded me of the old fisherman’s axiom: The worst day of fishing is better than the best day of being at work. Bush does many things of which I don’t approve, but before voters decide on a change, be assured that the worst day of Bush is far better than the best day of Kerry.

Richard Hayes

Rancho Palos Verdes

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The Times must be annoyed by the accolades for Ronald Reagan, plus the rapid march toward a free Iraq.

The lead spot on the front page is usurped for a Times poll that shills for Kerry in the election five months distant, and the second leading story, on the same page, is another boring lecture about “neocons.”

The only “con” in this election is the con job by Kerry, who, by word, deed and voting record, is the most left-wing senator of all, surpassing even Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).

Charles K. Sergis

Calabasas