To the editor: Jonah Goldberg tries to tie Bernie Sanders, the independent U.S. senator from Vermont running for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, to Republican candidate Donald Trump by suggesting that they fit the same role in their respective parties as out-of-touch fringe candidates who put on a good show. (“GOP’s Trump problem will fade, but Democrats’ Bernie Sanders troubles are just beginning,” Op-Ed, Aug. 10)

This assessment of Trump is fair, but not for Sanders, who has had a 30-year career in politics. He has been a mayor and a member of Congress, and now he’s a U.S. senator. He has crafted a lifetime of political accomplishments for his constituency, while Trump has been a real estate magnate and television pitchman for himself.

Ken Anderson, Huntington Beach

..


To the editor: Goldberg’s last paragraph states: “The GOP’s Trump problem will eventually melt away. I suspect the Democrats’ troubles are far more durable.”

I suspect the only thing that’s melting away is my patience reading his column.

My advice to Goldberg: Write for not only conservatives but also for those of us on the other side. Where are the right-wing Jon Stewarts and Stephen Colberts?

Benni Korzen, Los Angeles


Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook