The Washington Post Breaks Tradition
In a move that has surprised readers and sparked immediate controversy, The Washington Post announced it will not endorse any candidate in the upcoming presidential election, breaking a tradition that dates back to 1976.
Decision Not to Endorse Kamala Harris
According to a recent article by two staff reporters, The Post’s editorial staff had planned to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump. However, the paper cited two sources claiming that the decision not to publish the endorsement was made by Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder and the owner of The Post.
Reaction from Post Leadership
The Post’s chief executive, Will Lewis, posted an online statement explaining the decision:
- Return to Roots: “The Washington Post will not endorse a presidential candidate this election—or in any future elections,” Lewis wrote.
- Preserving Journalistic Integrity: “We are returning to our roots of nonpartisan coverage, reflecting the values we’ve always upheld: a commitment to the rule of law, respect for individual freedom, and a belief in ethical leadership.”
Lewis acknowledged that the decision might be seen as controversial, with some viewing it as an implicit endorsement of a candidate or as neglecting their civic responsibility. However, he clarified that it aligns with The Post’s core values.
Fallout and Criticism from Journalists and Politicians
The decision not to endorse a candidate has drawn sharp criticism from journalists, former editors, and political figures.
- Marty Baron, Former Post Editor: Called the choice “cowardice, with democracy at its casualty,” warning that Trump might interpret the decision as an invitation to intimidate The Post and its owner, Bezos.
- Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA): Tweeted, “The first step towards fascism is when the free press cowers in fear.”
Staff Union Responds
The Washington Post Guild, the union representing Post staff, voiced its concerns on social media, stating that the lack of endorsement undercuts their work and diminishes trust among readers at a critical time in American politics. They noted that reader cancellations had already begun following the announcement.
- Guild’s Statement: “We are deeply concerned that an American news institution would make this choice, especially just days before a highly consequential election.”
Similar Moves by Other News Outlets
The Los Angeles Times faced a similar situation recently, with its owner, billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, deciding against publishing a presidential endorsement. The head of the LA Times editorial board resigned in protest.
A Divisive Decision in the Media Landscape
As readers react to The Washington Post’s unprecedented decision, the impact on the paper’s relationship with its audience—and its role in the national media landscape—remains to be seen.
Key Points:
- For the first time since 1976, The Washington Post will not endorse a presidential candidate.
- An article revealed that The Post’s editorial team had prepared an endorsement for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.
- According to the report, The Post’s owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, ultimately decided against publishing the endorsement.
