I thought the commentary by Ruben Navarrette Jr. of The Washington Post Writers Group (“Haley invites Americans to think beyond Black and white,” Feb. 24, Page A7) was a well-crafted recognition of Nikki Haley, highlighting many good points.

Then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shake hands before a roundtable discussion with Venezuelan exiles in Miami in 2020. Neither potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate comes from a wealthy family, a reader says. Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press, File

Haley has a strong resume to run for president of the United States and to win. In the op-ed’s fifth paragraph, though, I have to take issue with Navarrette when he refers to “more white Republican men on a debate stage – most of them born on third base, but convinced they hit a triple,” accompanied by an assortment of other insults.

Currently, in the Republican presidential race, there are Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy who have announced, along with Donald Trump. Both of their parents (Haley’s and Ramaswamy’s) immigrated from India. Of the potential candidates, Mike Pompeo’s grandparents were from Italy; his dad, Wayne, grew up in Maxwell, New Mexico (pop. 192), went to college and left to serve in the Korean War in 1951 as a radio operator. Ron DeSantis’ mom was a nurse, and his dad installed Nielsen TV ratings boxes, basically an equipment installer.

However, Mr. Navarrette is right about one thing regarding third base. Ron DeSantis did play third base at Dunedin High School in Florida, and his baseball team went on to the Little League World Series.

James Mooney
Portland