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Former Vice President Kamala Harris has openly criticized The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times in her recently released book entitled “107 Days.” She expressed her disappointment over their decision not to endorse a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2024 elections.
Harris highlights a specific published piece from the LA Times that argues the 2024 election might be the most significant in a generation. Yet, she points out that the article fails to mention any endorsements that could influence this pivotal race. The absence of an endorsement from her hometown paper left Harris feeling disheartened.
The Los Angeles Times, which is owned by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, stated that it would not make an endorsement this election cycle. Following suit, The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, also refrained from backing a candidate. Harris reflects on this trend, expressing her concerns about the power dynamics at play.
In her book, she remarked about the powerful figures like Soon-Shiong and Bezos adopting a “feckless posture” after Donald Trump’s election. She indicated that their actions seemed to set a precedent for other influential leaders and institutions. Harris characterized their stance as an early example of capitulation, underscoring the challenges she perceives for democracy.
Reactions from the Editorial Boards
The LA Times announced in late October that it would not endorse a candidate for the first time since the 2008 elections. This decision led to the resignation of the paper’s editorials editor, Mariel Garza, who claims that the move was primarily due to the owner’s reluctance to endorse Harris. The paper emphasized that endorsing candidates is a significant decision that can sway a considerable number of voters.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the LA Times reiterated its responsibility to provide an informed perspective. Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong concluded that a lack of endorsement stemmed from the record of the Biden Administration and Harris’s performance as Vice President. He insisted that competence is a critical factor for their endorsement.
Washington Post’s Editorial Stance
Shortly after the LA Times’ announcement, The Washington Post also declared that its editorial board would abstain from endorsing candidates in the 2024 election and any future presidential races. William Lewis, the publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, characterized this decision as a means to empower readers, allowing them to form their own opinions on such a consequential election: selecting the next president.
Historically, The Washington Post has primarily endorsed Democratic candidates, with a lone exception in 1988 when it chose not to endorse Michael Dukakis. As such, the organization’s latest decision is seen as unprecedented and has sparked significant dialogue regarding its implications for future elections.
Broader Media Landscape and Reactions
Harris’s concerns about the non-endorsement trend resonate across the media landscape. Other notable publications, including USA Today and The Minnesota Star Tribune, have also opted not to endorse a presidential candidate for the upcoming elections, raising questions about media influence and responsibility.
In her book, Harris references reactions from esteemed media figures, including former Washington Post editor Marty Baron. Baron criticized the non-endorsement as tantamount to cowardice, suggesting it represents a “moment of darkness” for democracy. He argues that it could invite further intimidation toward the paper and its owners from figures such as Donald Trump.
Political Commentary and Public Sentiment
In response to the newspaper’s decision, notable political commentators are weighing in. Alexandra Petri, a political humor columnist with a history at The Washington Post, has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president, stating her enthusiasm for electoral participation. She pointedly noted the irony of her position as a humor writer being tasked with making an important endorsement.
