(ProsperNews.net) – The Washington Post has decided not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, a striking departure from its usual practice of endorsing presidential candidates, which it has maintained for the past 36 years. This decision is a setback for Harris, who has also faced non-endorsement from her hometown paper, the Los Angeles Times.
Several sources indicate that this decision may have been influenced by Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, who reportedly instructed editorial leadership to avoid endorsing either candidate. This move aligns with early polling that shows former President Donald Trump leading in some key areas. Bezos, who has extensive federal contracts through his other business interests, may have motivations tied to preserving a stance of perceived impartiality. According to David Folkenflik, the announcement left the Washington Post editorial team “shocked” and reportedly upset about the paper’s choice to abstain from making an endorsement. Folkenflik detailed the tension, noting that editorial page editor David Shipley met with the staff to explain the decision. Shipley emphasized a desire for “independent space,” meaning a stance that allows readers to make their voting decisions without the paper’s endorsement as a factor. However, some editorial staff reportedly viewed this as an attempt to appease Trump supporters at a critical point in the race.
The Washington Post stated that they are “returning to their roots of not endorsing presidential candidates,” with Publisher Will Lewis scheduled to release a statement to readers explaining the choice. This non-endorsement policy marks a significant shift, particularly in an election season described as pivotal for the country’s future.
The Washington Post’s stance has sparked wider discussions in media circles about the role of news outlets in influencing political outcomes, especially in a closely contested race. The lack of endorsement could impact Harris’s campaign visibility and credibility with some voter demographics, especially those who value endorsements from established media outlets, as discussed in a recent Guardian article.
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