Almost everything Marvin Kalb points out about Trump’s relationship with his base, the news media, and GOP congressional leaders is true (“The dangerous Trump hoax,’’ Opinion, Aug. 17). He does, however, make one mistaken observation: “Because Trump has magically transformed the Republican Party into his personal plaything. . . ’’ The reality is that many more than will admit are holding their nose and happy to get the Supreme Court appointments and legislation they want at any cost. That’s where we really are in our teetering democracy, where also lies the fear many white members of Congress share with Trump — a future that includes far more diversity in places of power and decision-making than they are willing to live with.

Dale Stewart

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