The American media, mainly Washington Post, USA Today, and LA Times have taken a stance not to endorse any candidate in the US Presidential Election 2024, which is less than 10 days away. This reflects the reluctance of news media to align with any party or candidate amid dwindling readership, subscribers, and revenue.
Readers Can Make the Right Decision, Washington Post
Washington Post’s publisher Will Lewis said their decision was a return to a tradition they had practiced years ago of not endorsing any presidential candidates. He added that they trust in their readers’ ability to make up their minds.
Lewis said the decision is consistent with the Post’s values – character and courage in service to the American ethic, veneration for the rule of law, and respect for human freedom in all aspects.
LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong said it’s the right decision not to endorse, and up to the readers to make their own final decision. He shared that picking one candidate, either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, would only exacerbate the already deep divisions in the country.
Patrick said LA Times should be an organization that stands up, says the facts and presents views across the political spectrum.
USA Today spokesperson Lark-Marie Anton said they will not endorse the president, but local editors at publications across USA Today Network can endorse at a state or local level. She highlighted that USA Today Network has more than 200 publications across the US.
Anton said their public service is to provide readers with the facts and trusted information they need to make information decisions.
But this decision hasn’t gone down well with the publications’ staff. Many have left their jobs in protest. Mariel Garza, LA Times Editorial Editor, questioned the decision not to endorse asking how could they spend eight years railing against Trump.
She said the non-endorsement undermines the integrity of the editorial board and every single endorsement they make down to school board races.
