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To the editor:

In my last letter, I referenced the 30,573 false or misleading claims made by Donald Trump during his White House tenure (Washington Post, Jan. 24, 2021). This Washington Post ”Trump claims” database was nominated by the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University for inclusion in a list of the Top Ten Works of Journalism of the Decade.  Trump’s claims can be searched by subject, time period, and venue. The full report, including visual graphics, can be viewed on the “Trump claims” database website.

Daniel Dale, the Toronto Star’s Washington bureau chief, frequently refers to Trump as a “serial liar”.  PolitiFact, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-checking organization, awards a “Lie of the Year Award”.  When reported June 5, 2019 by the Washington Post’s Paul Fahri, Trump had been given the “award” three of the past four years.

Why do lies even matter? In some cases Trump’s lies led to victims’ PTSD and even death. There were many who believed Trump when he said COVID was a hoax. Others had their lives turned upside down when their honesty and credibility were attacked. Votes and actions by Trump followers are often based on his alternative facts, which means they are baseless.

Only one presidential candidate comes without baggage.

A vote for Nikki Haley means starting with a clean slate. How refreshing that would be, to turn on the TV and not  be bombarded with constant lies. Trump began denying the truth of his election loss on the night of the 2020 results and has not stopped since. The media and public seem to have forgotten that there are currently three presidential candidates who remain on the primary ballot. Until the November election, I will be listening and watching as the two presidential candidates selected in the primary proceed with their campaigns.

I am trying to keep informed and have an open mind. I hope you will, too.

May God bless America.

Glenda Smith,     Mocksville