Shift in Media’s Electoral Role The Washington Post has announced its decision to discontinue presidential candidate endorsements, marking a significant departure from its longstanding practice. This move, which applies to the current election and future presidential races, has sparked intense debate within media circles and among the public.
Publisher Will Lewis defended the decision as aligning with the Post’s values, stating it is “consistent with the values the Post has always stood for.” The announcement represents a return to the newspaper’s earlier tradition, as it only began regularly endorsing presidential candidates in 1976 with Jimmy Carter.
However, the decision has faced significant criticism. Former executive editor Martin Baron condemned the move, describing it as “cowardice, with democracy as its casualty.” This sentiment was echoed by other journalists and public figures, with over 7,000 comments on the publisher’s column and approximately 2,000 subscription cancellations within 24 hours of the announcement.
The Post’s decision comes amid reports that an unpublished endorsement for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump had been written but not released. This has led to speculation about the influence of owner Jeff Bezos on the paper’s editorial decisions. Internal discord has followed the announcement.
Robert Kagan, editor at large, resigned from the editorial board, and a group of 17 Washington Post columnists signed a statement urging the paper to endorse Harris. The decision has also caused unrest within the Post’s opinion staff, which operates independently from the newsroom.
The Washington Post's editorial page will not make a presidential endorsement this year or "in any future presidential election," the newspaper's publisher and chief executive officer says. https://t.co/lQmXa89HA8
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) October 25, 2024
The Post’s move reflects a broader trend in American journalism. Other major newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and Minnesota Star Tribune, have made similar decisions to stop endorsing candidates. This shift is partly driven by concerns about alienating readers and subscribers in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
The media landscape is evolving, with newspapers struggling to adapt to new reader habits and economic challenges. This decision by the Washington Post, a publication with significant influence, raises questions about the role of media in shaping public opinion during elections.
Critics argue that the decision undermines the Post’s commitment to democracy, referencing the paper’s slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” Susan Rice, former US ambassador to the UN, called the decision hypocritical in light of this motto.
The controversy has reignited debates about journalistic integrity, media influence, and the responsibilities of news organizations in a democratic society. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the impact of this decision on public discourse and voter behavior remains to be seen.
