To the Editor:

Re “Romney Calls Trump Unfit as Party Erupts in Discord” (front page, March 4):

The denunciation of Donald Trump by Mitt Romney and other prominent members of the Republican Party may ultimately have the opposite effect of what they intend. Donald Trump — and Bernie Sanders likewise — has gotten as far as he has in this campaign largely because he is a stark alternative to business as usual in Washington. If not for widespread discontent and distrust of our current leadership, Mr. Trump would have been sidelined long ago.

For members of the party establishment to denounce Mr. Trump only strengthens his image as an outsider and an alternative to the members of Congress and the White House who have failed to live up to their promises. A vote for Mr. Trump is not necessarily a vote in agreement with all that he says, but rather is a vote against business as usual.

Mr. Romney is only highlighting the difference between Mr. Trump and the Republican Party establishment, thus is likely encouraging those who distrust the current administration and current party leaders to vote against the status quo.

ALLEN NATOW

Woodmere, N.Y.

To the Editor:

Re “Cruz and Rubio Wage Urgent Attacks in Debate” (front page, March 4):

Did the Republican Party just commit political suicide during its latest “political” debate?