Democratic Candidates on the Campaign Trail

“Dean Wrestles With the Question of Faith” (Jan. 3) describes how, on a plane flight, Howard Dean was asked what his favorite book in the New Testament was, and that Dean first cited the Book of Job, which is actually in the Old Testament. Although Dean corrected his error about an hour later, and went on to answer the reporter’s question by citing the Gospels as his favorite book, I believe Dean’s more serious error was in answering the question at all.

Dean should have reminded the reporter that at the end of Article VI of the Constitution, it says, “ ... but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” And he should have emphasized that since he, Dean, is a candidate for the office of the president, the question could be construed as applying a religious test, and that as president he will be expected to uphold the Constitution.

Frank R. Tangherlini

San Diego

*

“Edwards’ ‘Closing Statement’ Aims to Boost Image” (Jan. 4) quoted Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.), speaking of corporate interests: “This government and this democracy does not belong to them [corporations] -- it belongs to you [the electorate].” Where has Edwards been? Hundreds of millions of corporate dollars pour into party coffers. Elections are decided by dollars. Those corporate dollars bought legislation, contracts and services for the benefit of corporations, CEOs, etc. Get real, Sen. Edwards.

Albert Lerner

Placentia

*

Since it appears no decent Democrat is making major strides against defeating Bush, my hope is that Al Gore will decide to run again at the last minute. He has the perfect campaign slogan -- “Al Gore in 2004.” I believe he and Hillary Clinton are the only ones who can clean up Dubya’s mess and get our country back on track.

Jeanne Stacks

Mission Viejo