Choosing Presidents

* Re “As the Scandals Turn: Charisma Counts, Not Character,” Opinion, Nov. 17: Robert Dallek is undoubtedly correct in asserting that image weighs heavily as an influence on voters in choosing a president. But this conclusion that the recent election shows that it outweighs character is unjustified. Not once does he even intimate that policy differences might be involved.

For myself, I would prefer Dole at my backyard barbecue--I like his style. But policies swung my vote to Clinton. I prefer him on tax-cut plans, women’s choice, “Star Wars” timetable, gun control, education, the environment. True, he demagogued Medicare, as Dole did tax cuts.

I thought issues are what it is supposed to be about.

GENE BARMORE

Huntington Beach