Washington Post’s Surprising Decision: Why It Won't Endorse a Presidential Candidate for the First Time Since the 1980s

 The Washington Post

 announced that it will not endorse a presidential candidate for the 2024 election. For the first time in 36 years, the prestigious publication will refrain from endorsing either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris, a move that has surprised many and sparked internal debate.

Will Lewis, publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, explained the decision as a return to the paper's historical approach of remaining neutral in presidential endorsements. "We are returning to our roots of not endorsing presidential candidates," Lewis wrote in an op-ed. 

He highlighted that, prior to 1976, the Post traditionally avoided endorsements, only endorsing Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter in the wake of Watergate—a story the paper famously helped uncover. The last time the Post abstained from endorsing in a general election was 1988.

The announcement came during a tense editorial board meeting where David Shipley, the editorial page editor, informed staff about the decision. Shipley emphasized that creating a space for unbiased journalism is the main reason for withholding the endorsement.

 “We are providing an independent space where the newspaper does not tell people for whom to vote," he said. Although Shipley has reportedly known about the decision for weeks, its official announcement left many colleagues shocked and disheartened.

Notably, former Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron criticized the move, labeling it as “cowardice” and expressing concerns that it could harm democratic dialogue. Baron warned that the decision might embolden critics of the free press and weaken the Post’s stance on vital issues.

In a broader trend, other newspapers have made similar decisions recently. The Los Angeles Times, for instance, also opted not to endorse a candidate this year. 

This choice led to the resignation of several editorial board members, including editorials editor Mariel Garza, who argued that the paper’s stance appeared “craven and hypocritical,” especially given its previous critical coverage of Trump.

The Washington Post has a long history of investigative journalism, particularly around Trump’s time in office, often highlighting controversial actions and statements. The editorial board has frequently voiced concern over Trump’s rhetoric and actions, particularly after the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

The announcement follows Lewis’s recent appointment as Post publisher. Known for his conservative connections, he was previously affiliated with the Wall Street Journal, the Telegraph, and former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s campaign. Some have speculated that Post owner Jeff Bezos’ selection of Lewis may be strategic, given Bezos’ extensive government contracts through Amazon.

This decision has sparked debate across media and political circles. For some, the Washington Post’s neutrality marks a return to journalistic roots, while others see it as a retreat from a platform that could influence one of the most consequential elections in recent history.