The first US presidential candidates debate between contenders Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took place on Monday, September 26th and promised to be one of the most widely viewed events of the year worldwide. It was broadcast (on Tuesday) at 3am Israel time.
On Tuesday, a few hours after the event, Marc Zell and Sheldon Schorer, Israeli Americans and veteran activists on behalf of the Republicans and Democrats abroad respectively, analyzed how their candidates performed as well as debated and discussed why they believe that Israel and Israeli American (expat) votes in the elections are particularly critical in the elections of 2016.
In Israel, it is estimated that there are some 300,000 eligible voters. Among the reasons American voters in Israel are of special interest to the campaigns is that a relatively large number come from swing states that could ultimately determine the election outcome. Among the estimated 300,000 eligible voters living in Israel, about 17,500 are from Florida, 11,000 from Pennsylvania and 7,500 from Ohio.
Marc Zell – Co-Chair of Republicans Overseas Israel and Vice-President of Republicans Overseas International. Born in Washington and currently based in Israel.
Sheldon Schorer – Ex-Chairman and current legal counsel for Democrats in Israel.
