US presidential race

Should the Palestinians unwisely choose Hamas-led authorities during the forthcoming municipal elections – whenever they are held (“Palestinian court suspends elections,” September 9) – the question of their funding should be raised with the presidential candidates in the US.

The answer will give a good indication of what we can expect with regard to any “special relationship,” perceived or otherwise, between the US and Israel over the coming four years. STEPHEN VISHNICK

Tel Aviv

I keep reading about how many American media outlets are supporting US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and downplaying her opponent, the Republican Donald Trump.

First of all, I must admit that I am not a major supporter of Mr. Trump, and sometimes I do question his outbursts. On the other hand, I have received reports of the activities and backgrounds of both candidates and have come to the conclusion that Mrs. Clinton is a frightening prospect.

I sort of understood why the incumbent, Barack Obama, was elected the first time – he was so charismatic. But after four years, I believe it was purely media hype that earned him a totally undeserved second term. He has been a disaster for the United States.

I believe that a study of the records will show that a president who is good for the United States is also good for Israel. Clinton will be bad for the American people if she is elected, and therefore Israel will suffer.

We cannot interfere in the American political race (unlike the Americans, who try to dictate to us), but we should all be praying for a win for Trump, who seems to have a deep love for American citizens and should therefore be more beneficial to those of us here in Israel. ANNABELLE HOROWITZ

Petah Tikva

Dangerous Donald Trump could be a threat to US viability. He might try to assume dictatorial powers and abolish the Constitution, Congress and the Supreme Court. Some of his supporters are far-Right extremists. His candidacy is reminiscent of the fascists in Germany, Italy and Japan during the 1930s and 1940s.

Trump has unwittingly proposed to pull our troops out of South Korea and Japan if those countries do not pay for our aid. This will open up the Far East to Chinese and North Korean expansion. He might try to abandon NATO, thereby enabling Russian expansion in Europe. In addition, he doesn’t have a problem with countries acquiring nuclear weapons. He even encouraged Russia to spy on his opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Trump’s blunders could lead to miscalculations by totalitarian regimes and increase the possibility of war. Amazingly, he says he knows more about Islamic State than do our generals.

He appears to be unstable, shallow and disorganized, and he does not have the requisite knowledge or understanding of US and world affairs, nor the intellectual capacity to be president and commander in chief of the military. So vote for the socially liberal and fiscally conservative Libertarian ticket of Johnson/ Weld. DONALD MOSKOWITZ Londonderry, New Hampshire