Nation needs presidential candidates with high morals

I remember the broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite when we were glued to the radio to get the news and opinions of two of the country's experienced reporters. They were moral men whose opinions would not only influence the electorate but the candidates, too.

In my house Dad was a Democrat and Mom a Republican, the parties of their own fathers. But no one ever made fun of any candidate's family.

If a reporter did or if he was dishonest, he'd be fired. They took their jobs seriously. The nation's leadership depended on how they translated a candidates' views concerning foreign and domestic policy. They would never inject their own ideas, just the words and ideas of the candidates.

So I find it hard to accept the rise of Donald Trump as a possible GOP nominee. I don't think it's funny. I see no joke in his vulgar comments.

But the press not even identifying his lies is terrifying. His lack of knowledge on foreign and domestic policy is even more terrifying.

I want candidates with experience in government and above all I want each party to nominate candidates with a high moral code, people to be admired, not laughed at.

Rev. Emmalou Kirchmeier

Bradenton

This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Nation needs presidential candidates with high morals ."