USA TODAY

Letter to the editor:

USA TODAY’s anti-Trump editorial “Trump is unfit for the presidency,” was an insidious attempt to sway voters away from electing the candidate of their choice. After reading the editorial, I’m now more convinced than ever that we need a political outsider to be our next president. The Editorial Board has proved how far-reaching insider politics extend into every aspect of our lives to control how people are supposed to think. The fact that Donald Trump has the support of such a high percentage of American voters should stand on its own. The board members’ opinion is rightfully theirs, as is ours. Publishing their anti-Trump opinion has lowered the newspaper’s standards to those of a tabloid.

Barry Butski; Akron, N.Y.

Letter to the editor:

Hats off to USA TODAY and the Editorial Board for stepping up to the plate for the first time in its history regarding a presidential candidate. The editorial on why Trump is not fit to be president of the United States, summarizes the demise of the Republican Party and the debacle that the process has reached. A broken system produces politicians who are driven by desires and not the best interests of the people. Obviously, Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate but hardly one who elicits enthusiasm.

Terry Friedlander; Ketchum, Ind.

Facebook comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

I appreciate USA TODAY’s honesty. All the previous editorials basically said the same thing, and now they are putting it in plain English. Having said that, I will definitely vote for Donald Trump.

Most of the editorial’s criticisms of Trump could easily be applied to President Obama. His inexperience, shifting positions and partisanship have made him one of our worst presidents. Hillary Clinton is in a class of her own when it comes to deceit. It seems that the only time she can tell the truth is when it turns out to be the only alternative left. Clinton will probably turn the White House into a pay-to-play machine.

— Victor Edwards

Policing the USA

We asked our followers if they thought endorsements of candidates make a difference to voters. Tweets edited for clarity and grammar:

Not anymore, especially during this cycle where there is such a dislike of the news media. Also, newspaper endorsements are antiquated.

— @dbedell70

When many Republicans won’t endorse their own candidate, then yes, it matters.

— @YatesPam

No. The news media’s job is to inform and let people make their own decisions. Neither do people care about a candidate’s tax returns.

— @kblandino

This time, maybe. When a candidate is so bad, it’s a cue to the blind followers not to follow along party lines.

— @MissAndree2U

No. Supporters of the candidate who wasn’t endorsed will blame “media bias,” which strengthens their resolve.

— @Fibby1123

For more, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday.