Dole Campaign

* Re “Many Democrats Who Sided With the GOP Are Coming Home,” Sept. 23:

It is the bitterest of ironies that Bill Clinton’s broken promise from 1992 of a middle-class tax cut now works against Bob Dole and in Clinton’s favor in creating cynicism that Dole will actually deliver on this proposed 15% tax rate reduction.

This despite Dole not even being in the same league as the president when it comes to letting promises slide.

As with Whitewater, it is Clinton’s associates, and now his opponent, who suffer from his misdeeds while cheap charisma somehow leaves him smelling like a rose. Ronald Reagan can only envy that kind of Teflon.

MICHAEL D. ALEX

Glendora

* Spin, spin, spin. I’m beginning to feel sorry for Dole, especially after his latest pratfall (“Dole’s Tumble Sends His Aides Spinning,” Sept. 20). In trying to put the best face on his tumble into the crowd in Chico, Dole blew another chance to connect with young voters. What he said by way of explanation was, “I was trying to do that new Democratic dance, the macarena.” What he ought to have said was that he was “diving into the mosh pit.” Out of touch, as usual.

WILLIAM TIERNEY

Hermosa Beach

* A presidential preference poll taken Sept. 18 in Brooklyn shows Dole ahead by 32 points.

MARTIN M. SHAPERO

Woodland Hills