Will Voters Choose Mr. Hot or Mr. Cool?

'The Vices of Their Virtues': Readers appreciated our cover package contrasting the leadership approaches of Barack Obama and John McCain. "I want my president to be cool under fire, not fiery and impulsive," one said. Another challenged McCain to explain how his plan would differ from the Bush administration's. "Saying you're a maverick is not a plan," she said. And a Democrat whose "stomach churns" at the mention of four more years of Republican rule, opined, "I can still dream of a common-sense, bipartisan McCain-Obama ticket, can't I?"

Taking the Candidates ' Temperature
Your comparison of "hot" John McCain and "cool" Barack Obama was right on the money ("The Vices of Their Virtues," Oct. 6). We have repeatedly heard McCain advocate the most extreme response in his proposed solutions to our problems. He either wants to bomb someone or fire someone or suspend his campaign. While his confrontational approach and volatile temperament could very well start World War III, Obama is much more nuanced and analytical in his approach. We need a president who advocates reasoned discussion and solves problems pragmatically.
Mark Challis
West Des Moines, Iowa

Perhaps NEWSWEEK should check the readings on its thermometer. Barack Obama may be "cool" to the rock-star crowd, but the Obama-Biden ticket is cold when it comes to reality, voting in lock step with fellow Democrats to oppose qualified judges, and Obama has yet to reach across the aisle to join a bipartisan solution on anything. And while John McCain may be too "hot" for your editors, the McCain-Palin ticket is clearly the warmest combination around, with clearheaded solutions based on common sense, American values and a record of constructive service to their nation.
Hank Nuss
Corpus Christi, Texas

I think Barack Obama's candidacy is creating a powerful wind of cool reason that can clear away the choking smog of hot militaristic thinking and religious fanaticism that has dragged us down in world opinion and tarnished our Constitution. John McCain is a brave man who served his country well, but his time has passed. A President Obama's combination of steady, sensible decisions and inspiring leadership will be a powerful advantage in the challenging world we face.
Valerie Millar
Sunnyvale, Calif.

You really blew it by choosing to put Mr. Cool vs. Mr. Hot on your cover. The better choice would have been Paul Newman—Mr. Cool Hand Luke himself. And, boy, was he hot! As a legend of cinema and a true American role model, he would have given your cover the grace and gentlemanly quality that the actual one lacked.
Heather Hill
Lake Jackson, Texas

Time to Downsize the Post Office?
The U.S. postal service has served us well, but it's time to streamline the system ("To Postal Workers, No Mail Is 'Junk'," Oct 6). I've lived in rural delivery areas all my life. There's no reason we need junk mail and occasional bills delivered six days a week. The USPS should implement a new delivery plan to keep regular delivery for businesses and reduce to every other day for the rest of us.
Cynthia G. Akagi
Lawrence, Kans.

A Vote by Mail Is Still a Vote
George Will says requiring people to go to the polls instead of voting by mail would filter out people who are "almost completely uninterested" ("Farewell, Election Day," Oct. 6). I had voted in every election until one year I had such a bad case of the flu that I couldn't leave the house. Another time I was nine months pregnant and couldn't walk down stairs, let alone two blocks to the polling place. I decided not to miss another election, and now I vote by mail. Along with others—the elderly, the ailing, working moms, swing-shift workers and travelers, I'm not almost completely uninterested, I'm particularly conscientious.
Beth Siegelman
Palo Alto, Calif.

© 2008