This decision marks a significant departure from the previous election season when the paper endorsed Joe Biden. The announcement came on Monday, as the paper communicated its stance to The Daily Beast.
According to The Post Millennial, USA Today's decision not to endorse Harris, who assumed the top of the ticket in July, is a stark contrast to their endorsement of Biden in 2020. This decision aligns them with other major news outlets such as The Washington Post and the LA Times, both of which have also refrained from endorsing a presidential candidate. Interestingly, these two outlets, known for their left-leaning perspectives, have experienced high-profile resignations and significant subscriber losses in the aftermath of their decisions. The New York Times, however, has chosen to endorse Harris.
USA Today's spokesperson, Lark-Marie Anton, explained the paper's decision in an email to The Daily Beast. She stated, "Why are we doing this? Because we believe America’s future is decided locally—one race at a time. And with more than 200 publications across the nation, our public service is to provide readers with the facts that matter and the trusted information they need to make informed decisions." Anton further clarified that none of the newspapers owned by Gannett, the conglomerate that operates USA Today, would be endorsing a presidential candidate, although they are free to endorse local candidates.
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In October 2020, USA Today broke its tradition of not endorsing candidates by supporting Biden. The paper justified this break from tradition by citing the perceived existential threat of a second term for Donald Trump. The Editorial Board, a diverse group of journalists separate from the news staff, wrote, "Four years ago, we urged readers not to vote for Donald Trump, calling the Republican nominee unfit for office because he lacked the 'temperament, knowledge, steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents.' We stopped short, however, of an outright endorsement of Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee. This year, the Editorial Board unanimously supports the election of Joe Biden, who offers a shaken nation a harbor of calm and competence."
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This year, however, it seems that USA Today's concern is less about preventing a Trump presidency and more about not officially supporting a Harris presidency. This decision underscores the paper's commitment to providing readers with the facts they need to make informed decisions, rather than influencing their choices with an endorsement.