In a surprising shift that has sent ripples through the media landscape, The Washington Post announced Friday that it will abstain from endorsing either candidate in the upcoming presidential election. This marks a significant departure from its decades-long tradition of political endorsements.
Breaking with tradition
“Our job at The Washington Post is to provide through the newsroom non-partisan news for all Americans, and thought-provoking, reported views from our opinion team to help our readers make up their own minds,” stated CEO William Lewis, characterizing the move as a return to the paper’s foundational principles.
The decision by the Jeff Bezos-owned publication carries particular weight given the Post’s influential position in Washington’s political circles and its motto, “Democracy dies in darkness.”
Internal turmoil and external reactions
The announcement has sparked immediate controversy both within and outside the newspaper. The Washington Post Guild expressed serious concerns: “We are already seeing cancellations from once loyal readers.” Reports indicate that Robert Kagan, a prominent editor, resigned in protest.
Trump’s campaign quickly seized on the announcement, stating that “Harris is so bad, The Washington Post decided to never endorse another presidential candidate again.”
Shifting media landscape
The Post’s decision follows a similar move by the Los Angeles Times, where the editorial board was reportedly blocked from endorsing Harris by its billionaire owner. While The Washington Post reported that Bezos had intervened similarly, a source close to the publication’s leadership dismissed this claim as inaccurate.
Meanwhile, other major publications have taken different stances. The New York Times endorsed Harris in September, while the New York Post backed Trump, declaring that “America is ready for today’s heroic Donald Trump to reclaim the presidency.”
Criticism and concerns
Former Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron criticized the decision, characterizing it as “cowardice, with democracy as its casualty.” Baron suggested the move might embolden Trump to “further intimidate” Bezos.
The Post’s shift away from presidential endorsements marks the end of a long-standing tradition that saw the paper consistently backing Democratic candidates since the 1980s. While newspaper endorsements may not carry the same weight they once did, the decision has nonetheless sparked significant debate about the role of major media outlets in modern political discourse.