To the Editor,
I agree with Larry Penner that Gov. Hochul should debate Lee Zeldin. However, debates are not always an adequate barometer of candidates.
In 1960, the first presidential debate on television was Richard Nixon versus John Kennedy. Nixon had been sick recently and sweated profusely through the debate. Kennedy was cool and poised, looked into the TV camera, and projected warmth and empathy. Those listening to the debate on the radio felt Nixon won. Those watching the debate felt Kennedy won. Kennedy won the White House.
In his book “Outrage,” Manson prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi — a pro Democrat — felt James Carter did much better than Ronald Reagan in the 1980 debates. Bugliosi also observed that people see what they feel they should see. They saw a glamorous Hollywood actor versus a deep South peanut farmer. Reagan won the debate and the White House.
Also, when Andrew Giuliani announced he was running for governor, he was met with contempt, scorn and ridicule by Mr. Penner. In The Legislative Gazette, Mr. Penner opined that Andrew Giuliani had never built a business and created jobs. Mr. Penner has made similar observations about Andrew Cuomo. Lee Zeldin is a lawyer and Army veteran. He has never built a business. Why doesn’t Mr. Penner hold Lee Zeldin to these standards?
Nat Weiner
