Real candidate records belie the spin
On Aug. 16, "Your Views" contributor Lynne Donald complained that "spin" and not candidate records dominate coverage in the current presidential campaign. I agree.
I believe Hillary Clinton's record of "accomplishment" is largely fiction; and Donald Trump's record is largely distorted and diminished.
The president of the United States is the chief executive officer of the most significant organization in the world. Mrs. Clinton has never been the CEO of anything.
Her closest brush with CEO-like responsibilities came when she served as secretary of state. The outcomes of her service there are a world on fire with terrorism and disorder, four dead Americans who were not given the security support they repeatedly asked for in Benghazi, an e-mail/fund-raising scandal and profound disrespect for America in the world.
Mrs. Clinton failed to pass the Washington, D.C., bar exam. She was fired from her role on the Watergate Committee. Her time in Arkansas raised numerous ethical questions that were never resolved. Her role as first lady of the White House is remembered for her failed health care reform initiative and for firing hapless employees in the travel office so their jobs could go to her friends.
No meaningful legislative accomplishments are derivative from her time as U.S. senator from New York. Hence, many important roles and opportunities but, in the end, many mistakes and no meaningful accomplishments.
In contrast, for decades, Mr. Trump has been a CEO of large and largely successful corporations. He has a record of pulling people and other resources together to get things done. Mrs. Clinton "talks" and Mr. Trump "does."
Unfortunately, each candidate carries a lot of negative baggage. The record is clear. If Mr. Trump becomes president, it will not be good. If Mrs. Clinton does, it will be worse.
Charles F. Falk
Schaumburg