The Washington Post announced it will stop endorsing presidential candidates, a significant shift from its history of backing Democrats since 1976. Managing director William Lewis claimed this decision reflects trust in readers to form their own opinions. However, the editorial team expressed discontent, leading to resignations and criticism of the move as a concession to owner Jeff Bezos’s interests, particularly regarding government contracts and political influence. Many readers have reacted negatively, threatening subscription cancellations.
Since 1976, the “Washington Post” has consistently endorsed presidential candidates, always favoring Democrats. For instance, the editorial board praised Hillary Clinton eight years ago with a clear recommendation, and four years prior, it hailed Joe Biden as someone who would restore decency and competence to the American government.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Managing Director William Lewis announced on Friday that the newspaper would refrain from making any presidential endorsements in upcoming elections, marking a return to its earlier practices prior to 1976. He stated, “We acknowledge that this choice might be viewed in various ways, either as an implicit favor toward one candidate or a critique of another, but that is not our intention. This decision aligns with our values, reinforcing our trust in readers to arrive at their own conclusions.”
Editorial Team’s Discontent
Contrary to the Managing Director’s stance, the editorial staff seems dissatisfied with this new direction, with at least one editor resigning in protest. Two journalists from the paper, who focus on media coverage, penned an article stating that there was already a draft prepared to endorse Democrat Kamala Harris for the upcoming election. Sources reveal that Jeff Bezos, the newspaper’s owner and Amazon founder, decided against issuing any endorsements moving forward.
In a joint statement, prominent editors and columnists from the “Post” voiced their concern, calling this decision a significant error and a divergence from the newspaper’s core editorial principles. They asserted that while an independent news organization isn’t obligated to endorse candidates, this decision comes at a time when certain candidates threaten press freedom and constitutional values.
Columnist Robert Kagan publicly ended his affiliation with the “Washington Post,” describing his choice as straightforward. He remarked to CNN that it seemed to be an attempt by Bezos to win favor with Donald Trump, especially considering Trump’s previous threats against the media. Marty Baron, the former editor-in-chief, echoed this sentiment, characterizing the lack of endorsement as an act of “cowardice.”
Potential Government Contract Concerns
Besides the “Post,” Bezos owns Amazon and Blue Origin, his aerospace venture aimed at competing with pro-Trump entrepreneur Elon Musk. However, Bezos’ space company relies heavily on government funding. Five years ago, Bezos took legal action against the Pentagon for awarding a $10 billion contract to Microsoft, claiming that Trump influenced the decision to undermine him politically.
Amid these changes, some readers of the “Washington Post” have expressed their diminishing trust in the publication. Many took to the comments section of the managing director’s announcement to say they would be canceling their subscriptions, with one accusing the newspaper of betraying its mission. The paper’s mission statement emphasizes a commitment to the public and its readers rather than to the private interests of its owners. Numerous comments reflected concern over the newspaper’s mission, with one reader stating, “I have canceled my subscription. Darkness is increasing and democracy is fading.”