Washington Post

2024 - 10 - 25

Washington Post Turns Political Game on Its Head: No Endorsements Ever Again?

Jeff Bezos Jeff Bezos - Kamala Harris - Los Angeles Times - Media Neutrality - Presidential Elections - Washington Post

Grab your popcorn! The Washington Post has decided to ditch presidential endorsements, creating waves of reactions in the media! #NewsDrama

In a surprising move that has turned publisher Will Lewis’s vision upside-down, The Washington Post announced that it will no longer endorse presidential candidates, starting with the 2024 election. This historic decision comes after a standard 30-year practice and has sent shockwaves through the media landscape, especially as it follows closely on the heels of the Los Angeles Times making a similar choice. Many have reacted with disbelief, saying this decision goes against the very nature of political journalism. To top things off, some staff members were downright furious, alleging that Jeff Bezos himself nixed support for Vice President Kamala Harris, which was on the table until the announcement was made. Apparently, the outcry was loud enough to reach Bezos’s ears!

The reasons provided by the paper’s management indicate a desire to return to the core tenets of journalism, where they limit their role to reporting rather than choosing favorites. However, this has left many puzzled as to why they would choose this moment—just two weeks before a pivotal election—when their endorsement could have led to significant influence over the electoral process. This move has not only stirred emotions within its staff but has also left many subscribers cancelling their memberships, worried about the paper’s future direction. It's evidently clear that the political landscape is shifting, and not everyone is happy about it.

Interestingly, this chaos isn't just confined to voting choices; it mirrors the ongoing climate of fear and uncertainty in the corporate media world as billionaire owners, like Bezos and Soon-Shiong, have started to redefine the boundaries of editorial independence. Furthermore, with several top editors quitting and organizations questioning their editorial decisions—many are left wondering whether this move signifies the death of influence when it comes to presidential endorsements. They are now siding with a more neutral journalism approach, but at what cost?

As The Washington Post garners mixed reactions, some are suggesting that this could be a trend that continues, pointing towards a more neutral and humble press landscape. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this shocking announcement is that the world of journalism is beginning a rollercoaster ride, both thrilling and unpredictable.

For your information: did you know the last time The Washington Post didn't endorse a candidate was over three decades ago? And looking beyond the news itself, the shift in editorial practices might just inspire other newspapers to follow suit, turning political endorsements into an ancient relic much like dial-up internet!

Washington Post to No Longer Endorse Presidential Candidates (BNN)

The Washington Post won't be making a presidential endorsement for the 2024 election or in any future presidential races.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Furor over Washington Post's decision to not endorse presidential ... (The Guardian)

Employees outraged at 'chicken-shit' move that breaks 30-year precedent, alleging Jeff Bezos quashed Harris support.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Vanity Fair"

“Cowardice”: Washington Post Blasted for Not Endorsing in 2024 (Vanity Fair)

The controversial move at the Jeff Bezos–owned paper follows the Los Angeles Times, owned by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, also bucking tradition.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Washington Post says it will not endorse candidate for first time in 30 ... (The Guardian)

“We are returning to our roots of not endorsing presidential candidates,” Will Lewis, the newspaper's publisher and chief executive officer said in a statement ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Toronto Star"

Washington Post becomes second major US newspaper this week ... (Toronto Star)

Less than two weeks before Election Day, The Washington Post said Friday it would not endorse a candidate for president in this year's tightly contested ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Billionaire Newspaper Owners—Bezos And Soon-Shiong—Kill ... (Forbes)

Jeff Bezos made the decision to block the Washington Post editorial board's planned endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, unnamed sources told ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Coast Reporter"

Washington Post becomes the second major US newspaper to ... (Coast Reporter)

Less than two weeks before Election Day, The Washington Post said Friday it would not endorse a candidate for president in this year's tightly contested ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Washington Post declines to endorse a presidential candidate ... (CBS News)

The Washington Post on Friday said it will not endorse Kamala Harris, Donald Trump or any other candidate this year.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

The Washington Post says it will not endorse a candidate for president (The Washington Post)

The Washington Post's publisher announced Friday that it will not make an endorsement in this year's presidential contest, for the first time in 36 years, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Semafor"

Editor resigns, subscribers cancel as Washington Post non ... (Semafor)

The Washington Post's leadership recently sought meetings with the Democratic and Republican nominees for president, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, people ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Russia has expanded site of past bioweapons research, satellite ... (The Washington Post)

New construction at a military research site near Moscow reveals a specialized laboratory complex designed to research and handle deadly pathogens, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

For The Post, the wrong choice at the worst possible time (The Washington Post)

I love The Washington Post, deep in my bones. Last month marked my 40th year of proud work for the institution, in the newsroom and in the Opinions section.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NPR"

'Washington Post' won't endorse in White House race for first time ... (NPR)

The Washington Post declined to make an endorsement in this year's presidential race. Its editorial board has written that GOP nominee Donald Trump is unfit ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TheSpec.com"

Washington Post becomes second major US newspaper this week ... (TheSpec.com)

Less than two weeks before Election Day, The Washington Post said Friday it would not endorse a candidate for president in this year's tightly contested ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Columbia Journalism Review"

The Washington Post opinion editor approved a Harris endorsement ... (Columbia Journalism Review)

On Friday, the Washington Post's publisher, Will Lewis, announced that the paper would no longer make endorsements for president—after its journalists had ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Le Journal de Montréal"

Présidentielle américaine: le milliardaire Jeff Bezos aurait bloqué le ... (Le Journal de Montréal)

Le Washington Post ne soutiendra aucun candidat à l'élection présidentielle américaine, a annoncé vendredi son directeur général, tandis que le syndicat des ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Carolyn Hax: Their only daughter has left for college. How do ... (The Washington Post)

They sent their only child off to college this fall, and they're looking for ways to adjust.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Noovo Info"

Le Washington Post refuse de soutenir un candidat à la présidentielle (Noovo Info)

Moins de deux semaines avant le jour du scrutin, le Washington Post a annoncé vendredi qu'il ne soutiendrait aucun candidat à la présidentielle dans la ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Livemint"

Why Stephen King, others are cancelling 'The Washington Post ... (Livemint)

The Washington Post faces backlash for not endorsing a US Presidential candidate, leading to a surge in subscription cancellations. This marks a significant ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

I pushed for more testing around my cancer diagnosis. It saved my life. (The Washington Post)

A photo illustration that shows a full body medical scan, with a cutout of a. (Chelsea Conrad/The Washington Post; iStock).

Washington Post won't endorse a presidential candidate (NPR)

The Washington Post's publisher says the paper is "returning to its roots" with its decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in this year's race, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

The Washington Post sits on the fence at the most dangerous time in ... (The Guardian)

The paper itself has exposed the story behind its editorial refusal to endorse any candidate in the US presidential election.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNN"

The Washington Post is in deep turmoil as Bezos remains silent on ... (CNN)

One day after the Post announced it would not endorse a presidential candidate in this year's election or in the future, its billionaire owner remains ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Washington Post cartoon team skewers paper's decision not to ... (The Guardian)

Paper has been pilloried for what some call 'anticipatory obedience' in preparation of a new president next year.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NPR"

'Washington Post' columnists push back against non-endorsement ... (NPR)

In a joint column, 17 Post columnists called the paper's decision not to endorse a presidential candidate a "terrible mistake."

Explore the last week