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Can we switch the Trump, Pence ticket?: #tellusatoday

Pence is the antidote to his toxic running mate.

USA TODAY
Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence

Letter to the editor:

Despite the latest trouncing of Donald Trump in a presidential debate, a path to victory still remains for the Republicans. Will it be seized? Not a chance.

With the release of the 2005 tape in which Trump expressed his fondness for groping, kissing and sexually assaulting women — including those who are married — he is now not only a great challenge to the party but also radioactive. This was evidenced by the number of former and current elected officials who were Trump supporters who have been forced to jump ship.

Vice presidential nominee Mike Pence espouses cruel, exclusionary and extreme policies, but in other respects, he is precisely what the American people crave — the antidote to his toxic running mate. Pence is a dignified, refined, intelligent, well-spoken and likable gentleman. He has not joined Trump in his consistent bombast against those whom he perceives as foes, and he has no known skeletons in his closet, despite years of having served in high public office.

A Pence vs. Hillary Clinton duel would provide the GOP with a comfortable victory. What stands in the way of that victory is Trump, who would sooner bring down the entire party and cede control of Congress than admit he is not the person to lead Republicans.

The Republican Party is now likely to endure the drubbing it deserves on Nov. 8.

Oren M. Spiegler; Pittsburgh

Facebook comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Let’s just take a step back and think for a moment: If President Obama were the one who had made the remarks Donald Trump made, how pale and stale America would have reacted? Calling for his head, likely chanting “lock him up, lock him up!” Right?

These sleazeball Republicans who are now jumping ship are not doing it because of all of Trump’s racist remarks and bigotry, or even the fact he is an admitted sexual predator. They are doing it based on whether it affects their re-election. The putrid smell is getting stronger by the day.

But alas, the Republican brand has been stained for the foreseeable future, and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving party.

— Tom Ochsner

Policing the USA

Our followers shared their thoughts on the second presidential debate. Tweets edited for clarity and grammar:

It’s not about winning anymore. Donald Trump showed us he doesn’t care about diplomacy or respect for anyone. #Deflector

@LDHFab40

Trump won. Hillary Clinton was programmed with a canned speech, and Trump rebounded.

@SandraC44972089

Trump shored up his base, further alienated women and minorities, and scared half the country.

@Gwendol79281408

Trump won and that’s the truth. People who say Clinton won are just hacks. It’s 1-1.

@YouBoomCache

Clinton won. Her policy answers were perfect, and her tone was presidential.

@caincain02

Clinton is a crook. Trump won. It’s sad Clinton is even on that stage.

@Ricky__B

Gary Johnson was the winner. Two biggest liars ever! Had to turn it off. I’m done. Actively helping Johnson now.

@dannyjocrow

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