The Washington Post will not endorse a candidate for President, the first time it is making that decision since 1988.
In a memo to staff, Post CEO Will Lewis wrote that “The Washington Post will not be making an endorsement of a presidential candidate in this election. Nor in any future presidential election. We are returning to our roots of not endorsing presidential candidates.”
In explaining the call, Lewis cited a 1960 editorial board column explaining the paper’s position at the time not to endorse presidential candidates. He also sought to preempt criticism about the decision:
“We recognize that this will be read in a range of ways, including as a tacit endorsement of one candidate, or as a condemnation of another, or as an abdication of responsibility. That is inevitable,” Lewis wrote. “We don’t see it that way. We see it as consistent with the values The Post has always stood for and what we hope for in a leader: character and courage in service to the American ethic, veneration for the rule of law, and respect for human freedom in all its aspects. We also see it as a statement in support of our readers’ ability to make up their own minds on this, the most consequential of American decisions — whom to vote for as the next president.”
More to come.
English (US) ·