The Washington Post publisher, Will Lewis, is set to address why the newspaper has chosen not to endorse a presidential candidate for the first time in 36 years. Despite the close presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the editorial page has opted out of making an endorsement, as reported by the editorial page editor during a tense Friday morning meeting.
According to an individual with direct knowledge, who requested anonymity, the meeting disclosed details of this internal decision. Editorial page editor David Shipley informed colleagues that publisher Will Lewis would be releasing a note to readers online that Friday afternoon. Shipley stated that management had informed the editorial board the previous day about the lack of endorsement and mentioned that he was responsible for this decision. The rationale was to establish “independent space” where the paper refrains from directing people on whom to vote.
The announcement reportedly stunned colleagues and was met with universal disapproval. NPR has reached out to The Washington Post’s corporate spokespersons, but no responses have been received. Earlier in the week, a similar decision by Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong resulted in the resignations of the paper’s editorials editor and two board members.
The Washington Post’s investigative team has consistently reported on alleged misconduct and illegal actions involving former President Trump, the Republican nominee, and his associates. The editorial board, which operates independently from the newsroom, has often labeled Trump’s behavior in office and his campaign rhetoric as making him unsuitable for the presidency. The editorial board has particularly scrutinized Trump’s actions in January 2021 when he encouraged supporters to reject the certification of President Biden’s election.
The possibility of the newspaper refraining from an endorsement was first reported by Oliver Darcy’s newsletter, Status. This potential editorial absence has also surprised journalists within the Post, who view the publication as influential in addressing major national issues.
Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, owns The Washington Post and has significant government contracts outside of the newspaper business. Will Lewis, who assumed his role as publisher in January, has a background with conservative credentials, having previously held positions at Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal and the London-based Telegraph, known for its ties to the Tory party. Additionally, he served as a consultant to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Sources informed NPR that Bezos selected Lewis, in part, due to his capacity to engage effectively with influential conservative figures, including Murdoch.
