OPINION:
Joseph Curl’s recent commentary gives us a glimpse into President Biden’s rigorous weekly schedule as the man goes about fulfilling the “arduous task” of being our president (“Biden doesn’t want to be president, so let’s help him with that,” web, Aug. 23).
It’s a job that cost campaign donors about $1 billion for him to win.
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Mr. Biden’s schedule consisted of discussing, in Arizona, his administration’s great commitment to natural resources — and then flying, on the taxpayer dime, to New Mexico. The practice of campaign travel using taxpayer cash has for decades been a tried-and-true money multiplier for presidents of both parties.
With the current Republican congressional leadership, now would seem a perfect time to end this expensive advantage of incumbents over those trying to unseat them. The benefit of having us Americans foot the bill for their travel should be canceled — and not just for presidents and vice-presidents, but also for U.S. and state senators and representatives, governors and anyone else holding elective office.
Congress should immediately draft and pass a bill requiring that all campaign-related travel be paid for in full by the campaign funding of the incumbent candidate, just as it is for nonincumbents.
This should also apply to incumbents running for a different position while still the incumbent of their previous position. After all, the internet makes the physical presence of a candidate at any event optional.
Leveling the playing field has always been a mainstay if our country’s intention of fairness in sports and business. It’s time to include politics in this construct.
JAMES KOUT
Bowie, Maryland
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