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It is revealed that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos asked the Washington Post, which he owns, not to publish an article supporting Kamala Harris – GIGAZINE


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by Victoria Pickering

The Washington Post, a leading American newspaper, announced on October 25, 2024, “We will not support any particular candidate for the US presidential election on November 5, 2024.” According to the Washington Post, the Amazon founder, who acquired the Washington Post in 2013 and became its owner, had prepared an article supporting Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.jeff bezosDue to his instructions, publication has been postponed.

Opinion | On political endorsement – The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/10/25/washington-post-endorsement/


The Washington Post will not endorse a candidate for president – The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2024/10/25/washington-post-endorsement-president/

Jeff Bezos killed Washington Post endorsement of Kamala Harris
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/25/jeff-bezos-killed-washington-post-endorsement-of-kamala-harris-.html

Since 1976, the Washington Post has published articles supporting Democratic candidates in U.S. presidential elections. In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, the Washington Post chose the Democratic candidate, not the Republican candidate, Donald Trump.Hillary ClintonandMr. Joe BidenWe publish editorials supporting the.

In the US presidential election, where votes will be counted on November 5, 2024, the Washington Post has drafted an article supporting Democratic candidate Harris, and preparations are underway for publication. However, on October 25, 2024, the Washington Post stated, “We do not intend to support any particular presidential candidate in this election.We also plan to take similar measures in future presidential elections. “We are returning to our roots of not supporting presidential candidates.”articlehas been published.

The “origins” that the Washington Post refers to are those published by the paper’s editorial board in 1960: “The Washington Post does not ‘endorse’ either candidate in the presidential election. This is our company’s tradition. This is consistent with our actions in five of the past six elections, in the unusual circumstances of the 1952 election, when we endorsed Eisenhower before the nominating convention and during the campaign. In retrospect, the arguments supporting Eisenhower’s nomination and election were convincing, but in hindsight it was wise for an independent newspaper to avoid formal support. “I am certain that it may have happened.” This spirit of “origins” continued for a while, but changed in 1976, for what The Washington Post called “reasons that were understandable at the time,” when the paper endorsed Jimmy Carter for president.

This is the first time since 1988 that the Washington Post has not endorsed a presidential candidate.After 36 yearsIt seems that it is about.

The Washington Post also said, “This decision not to publish articles supporting a particular presidential candidate was made by Jeff Bezos, the owner of the Washington Post,” two anonymous sources said. quoting the wordsexplanationI’m doing it.

However, Washington Post CEO Will Lewis said, “There were inaccuracies in reporting surrounding Mr. Bezos’ role as owner of The Washington Post and his decision not to publish articles about the presidential candidates he supports.” Mr. Bezos had no say in the publication of the endorsement.As an independent newspaper, we believe we should support the ability of our readers to decide for themselves which presidential candidates they vote for. andstateddenies that Mr. Bezos interfered with the publication of the recommendation.

Lewis said, “I am aware that this decision could be seen as “tacit support for one candidate,” “denunciation of another candidate,” or “abdication of responsibility.” This is inevitable. We believe our decision is consistent with the conduct of a president: character and courage in the service of American ethics, respect for the rule of law, and respect for human freedom at every turn. ” he said.


However, many readers have commented negatively on this decision, including one saying, “Despite the most important election in our country to decide between fascism and democracy, you… Are you just going to wait and see? The Washington Post is unethical and a horrible coward.” “The Washington Post has put business ahead of ethics and morality. Following this decision, I am canceling my subscription.” It also includes some harsh opinions.

The Washington Post traditionally runs daily news and election-related opinion articles separately, but this decision has reportedly upset many of the Post’s internal opinion staff. . Additionally, Robert Kagan, the editor-in-chief of the Washington Post, resigned after protesting the decision.reportedI did.

The Washington Post Guild, the union of Washington Post staff, said: “We are deeply concerned that America’s news organization, The Washington Post, has made this decision just 11 days before the most important election.” The fact that the article about this decision was published by Mr. Lewis rather than from the editorial board also strengthens suspicions that management, including Mr. Bezos, interfered with the work of the editorial staff. This decision has led to a number of readers canceling their subscriptions.This decision not only destroys the trust of our readers, but also undermines the work of our staff.”


Congressman Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California, said of the decision, “The first step toward fascism is when the free press shrinks in fear.”


Karen Attiah, a Washington Post columnist, said, “This decision is an insult to those of us who have risked our careers and lives to advocate for human rights and democracy.” Masu.


Please note that Mr. Bezos and Amazon, of which Mr. Bezos is the largest shareholder, have not commented at the time of writing the article.

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