The choices for Democrats

Re “Preparation, inspiration, aspiration,” Opinion, May 9

With apologies to Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Brownstein is right. Very little that was said, in either presidential debate, will be remembered. With that thought in mind, wouldn’t it be memorable if Al Gore attended the next Democratic debate? Not as a contender but as the moderator.

If the topic happens to be the environment, Gore will be the perfect host. The former vice president can help give life to what’s largely been avoided to date -- a thoughtful, thorough conversation about energy independence, greenhouse gases, nuclear power, carbon footprints and how each will affect the next president’s decision-making.

Gore’s agreement to moderate a debate about the environment would force candidates to put meat on their environmental bones and advance the cause of environmental custodianship.

DENNY FREIDENRICH

Laguna Beach

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Brownstein refers to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton’s experience and skills. What are they? A few years in the Senate with no major legislative accomplishments, and before that a lawyer in Little Rock. She has no executive experience that a governor or a Cabinet secretary would have. Her only major national initiative, “Hillarycare,” was a failure, and her only qualification is her last name. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, by contrast, seems far more accomplished. Why do people persist in thinking she is experienced?

WILLIAM N. HOKE

Manhattan Beach