.jpg)
Sept. 13, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: During my nearly 80 years of living in our wonderful country, I have taken a certain amount of perverted pleasure in more than occasionally being labeled a “nerdy math geek.” Given that disclaimer, at this point in our presidential election season, I wish to offer to anyone who might still be reading, a numerical diversion: Find a quiet place and take about five minutes to jot down leadership qualities that you feel are essential for our next president/ commander-in-chief. My list, in alphabetical order, is: clarity of communication, courage, empathy, integrity, intelligence, morality, open mindedness, and patriotism. Your list will be different.
Next, give both of the candidates a numerical rating between 1 and 10 relative to each quality, where 1 denotes “totally lacking this quality” and 10 denotes “exemplary of this quality.” Be brutally honest; no one need see your ratings but you. Then compute your average rating for each candidate and compare.
When I did this, the striking gap between the two candidates’ numbers reinforced the confidence and pride I have in my decision to vote for Kamala Harris. My hope for you is that this exercise will provide you with a similar experience relative to your voting decision. If not … MIKE EVANS Lexington
