The Los Angeles Times, a news outlet with a reputation for liberal sentiment, has reportedly refrained from making a presidential endorsement in this election cycle. Notably, the newspaper has officially endorsed Democratic presidential candidates since the 2008 election, representing a significant blow to Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, which has seen signs of faltering support, even within the Democratic Party.
According to recent reports, Terry Tang, the Los Angeles Times executive editor, told the outlet’s editorial board staff earlier this month that the newspaper would not take an official stance on the upcoming election. The decision reportedly stems from Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a wealthy biotech businessman who purchased the Los Angeles Times in 2018.
A spokesperson on behalf of the Los Angeles Times stated, “We do not comment on internal discussions or decisions about editorials or endorsements,” refusing to deny the report. Subsequently, users on social media reacted to the news, opining on what it means for Kamala Harris. “The Los Angeles Times will not endorse a candidate for president this year. This decision was made by the paper’s owner Patrick Soon-Shiong. The LA Times has endorsed every Democratic presidential candidate since 2008,” the Calvin Coolidge Project posted on X.
Reacting to the news, conservative activist Robby Starbuck added, “This is actually kind of surprising. I don’t think newspaper endorsements matter anymore from major papers (local papers still matter) but LATimes is one of the furthest left papers in the country yet they’re not going to endorse Kamala. A very interesting development…”
Others noted how this is a troubling sign for the Harris-Walz campaign as Election Day is fast approaching. “BAD for Kamala and Democrats. Just 2 weeks away from election, the chance of her coming back is very slim unless they can pull out a very late October surprise. She is not even campaigning today. Why???” one user wrote.
The American Tribune recently reported on other bad news for Vice President Kamala Harris where down-ballot Democrats in swing state Senate races have refused to officially endorse her campaign, distancing themselves from her. Some have suggested that this implies a disdain for Harris among swing state voters who might be leaning toward former President Trump.
“Democratic Senate candidates in key battleground states are distancing themselves from Kamala Harris in an attempt to attract Trump supporters as the 2024 election approaches,” journalist Kyle Becker wrote. “In Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, Democrats are growing increasingly cautious about openly aligning with Kamala Harris due to her unpopularity.”
“In Pennsylvania, Senator Bob Casey has given Trump-like messaging on China and supported some of Trump’s policies, such as tariffs. Internal polling shows Casey narrowly leading his Republican opponent, David McCormick, while Trump polls competitively with Harris in the Keystone State,” he continued. “In Wisconsin, Senator Tammy Baldwin similarly avoided embracing the administration during her debate, while her campaign revived ads touting legislation signed by Trump to protect American jobs. In Michigan, Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin has taken a similar approach, focusing on her bipartisan work and minimizing attacks on Trump, reflecting concerns that Harris is struggling in the key swing state.”
Watch conservative activist Scott Presler explain major developments in the battleground state of Pennsylvania below:
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