WHAT IS GOING ON OUT THERE? EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR PHIL BOAS OFFERS REGULAR INSIGHTS, IDEAS AND MUST-READS THAT HELP EXPLAIN IT ALL.
By Phil Boas | The Republic
PUBLIC REACTS TO END OF ENDORSEMENTS
As we reported on azcentral this morning, The Arizona Republic will no longer endorse candidates for office. Executive Editor Greg Burton and I explain why here.
Here’s a sample of reaction:
David Boyles, ASU instructor
“As endorsing Republican candidates has become morally and intellectually untenable, Arizona’s largest newspaper, which has historically been a mouthpiece for the state’s GOP power structure, has decided to punt and no longer endorse candidates at all. This is moral cowardice.”
Peter Hamby, Vanity Fair contributor
“Hope more newspapers follow their lead.”
Tim Agne, Digital Editor, KJZZ Phoenix
“Newspaper endorsements are a helpful tool for voters, especially in smaller local races where we don’t have as much information about the candidates. Sad to see the Arizona Republic cave to a focus group that says newspaper editorials ‘take too much time to read.'”
Judd Legum, Popular Information newsletter
“I agree with this. No one is clamoring for newspapers to tell them how to vote.”
Bill Hill, former Republic editor (Facebook)
“Republic endorsements were totally predictable. Won’t miss them.”
Exavier Pope, Forbes contributor
“More publications should follow The Arizona Republic. The media is too influential to intrude on elections with endorsements.”
Greg Patterson, Espresso Pundit
“They have no choice. As never Trumpers, they can’t endorse the incumbent and they can’t endorse Bernie so they have to abandon endorsements.”
James David Dickson, Detroit News
“Wise choice. News readers want our INFORMATION. I have seen little to think they are guided much by our views. And quite frankly, they shouldn’t be. Think for yourself, people. We just provide the info.”
Kristy Roschke, Cronkite School
“I understand the decision, and I appreciate @gburton and @boas_phil explaining how and why they came to it, the part readers played in the decision and how @azcentral will continue to keep us informed of important election info.”
Sammy Roth, energy reporter, L.A. Times
“Bold move by the Arizona Republic.”
