Tag: endorsements

Posted on

Louisiana’s Largest Newspaper Endorses Hillary Clinton For President

Louisiana’s largest newspaper, the New Orleans Times-Picayune, has endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

In the op-ed, the paper specifically notes Clinton’s support for infrastructure investments, childhood education and diversity as key to their endorsement.

The editorial board points to Donald Trump’s divisive approach and “combative style” as disqualifying for the office of president.

Mr. Trump has proved himself wholly unsuited to be president. He has spent this campaign denigrating women, Muslims, Mexicans, refugees, disabled people, the parents of a soldier who died in Iraq and essentially anyone who questioned him.

He has suggested that an African-American protester at one of his rallies should be “roughed up,” made gross generalizations suggesting that all black people live in poor, violent neighborhoods, expressed support for racial profiling by police. And he threatened in the last debate to jail his political rival if elected.

Mr. Trump’s go-to move is the insult. His combative style would be disastrous on the world stage, where poorly chosen words can incite violence and cost lives. His affection for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and use of Russian propaganda to attack Mrs. Clinton are a frightening signal of what his approach to foreign policy would be.

The recording that surfaced Oct. 8 of Mr. Trump bragging about forcing himself on women and grabbing them between the legs is abhorrent. His characterization of the episode as mere “locker room talk” bespoke a pathological inability to acknowledge, and repair, his mistakes.

As for which candidate is better for Louisiana, there is no contest. Mrs. Clinton is committed to investments in infrastructure, including ports, that would benefit our state. She also wants to offer preschool to every 4-year-old, something that fits Louisiana’s goal of expanding and improving the quality of early childhood education.

But for New Orleanians, perhaps the most compelling contrast between Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton is his intolerance and her inclusiveness. New Orleans has diversity in its DNA. A president who routinely degrades African-Americans, Hispanics, Muslims and women could not, and would not, represent us.

Our nation is divided. Healing it will require strength, emotional intelligence and respect for all people’s humanity and dignity. We don’t believe Hillary Clinton is everything America needs in a president. But we have no doubt that she is the best choice on the 2016 ballot to move the country forward.

While the list gets longer and longer in regard to newspaper endorsements, I want to underline that I post these op-eds to illustrate how a broad swath of left and right leaning newspapers – sane voices – are publicly stating their support for Clinton.

There is no vast conspiracy rigging an election against Trump. He has put himself out there, and he’s being judged on who he’s revealed himself to be.

Posted on

Donald Trump Has Received Zero Endorsements From Newspapers

I was just thinking about this very idea a few days ago.

While Democrat Hillary Clinton has been getting endorsements from not only “left-leaning” newspapers, she’s also received the endorsement of several traditionally “right-leaning” newspapers. The Dallas Morning News, the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Arizona Republic – all have endorsed Hillary.

I realize that since I’m not a big fan of reading the hard right outlets, I’m not aware of any of Donald Trump’s endorsements.

Turns out it’s not me.

There aren’t any.

From Yahoo News:

With just a little over a month until election day, Donald Trump has racked up zero major newspaper endorsements, a first for any major party nominee in American history.

While newspaper endorsements don’t necessarily change voters’ minds, this year’s barrage of anti-Trump endorsements could actually move the needle come November, experts say.

“It’s significant,” Jack Pitney, professor of government at California’s Claremont McKenna College, told TheWrap. “The cumulative effect of all these defections could have an impact on moderate Republicans.”

Some conservative papers, which have endorsed Republicans for decades, are now breaking with tradition to endorse Hillary Clinton or, at the very least, urge their readers not to vote for Trump.

Several have taken a stand even at the expense of losing subscribers at a time when newspapers are barely staying afloat. Some papers have received death threats. But for a growing number of newspaper editorial boards, staying on the sidelines is no longer an option.

I just realized I am wrong. During primary season the New York Observer endorsed Donald. I guess I wasn’t counting that one since his son-in-law owns it.

Oh – and the National Enquirer endorsed the Trumpster. I think that says it all.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Posted on

Humane Society Endorses Hillary Clinton For President

The Humane Society has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, and in no uncertain terms denounced the idea of a Donald Trump presidency.

In our view, Trump represents the greatest threat ever to federal policy-making and implementation of animal protection laws, and we are taking the unusual step of wading actively into a presidential campaign. HSLF has members who are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, and supports lawmakers and candidates from all over the political spectrum. We evaluate candidates based on a single, non-partisan criterion—their support for animal protection—and do not default to one party or the other.

When you consider the potential for advancing animal welfare reforms at the federal level, or rolling back the recent gains and rulemaking actions, there could not be a greater contrast among the White House hopefuls. One ticket has a clear, compelling record of support for animal protection, while the other has assembled a team of advisors and financial supporters tied in with trophy hunting, puppy mills, factory farming, horse slaughter, and other abusive industries.

The names that Trump’s campaign has floated for engagement on Interior and Agriculture department issues are a “who’s who” of zealous anti-animal welfare activists. Troublingly, Donald Jr. has even been floated as a possible Interior Secretary. Both sons at the very least would be Trump’s top advisors and strategists on trophy hunting issues.

The risk of having a globe-trotting trophy hunter at or near the helm at Interior, or having the ear of the President, should be a terrifying prospect for any animal advocate.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Posted on

The Atlantic Endorses Hillary Clinton

For only the third time in The Atlantic‘s 156 year history, the publication has endorsed a presidential candidate, and it is Democrat Hillary Clinton.

From The Atlantic:

Today, our position is similar to the one in which The Atlantic’s editors found themselves in 1964. We are impressed by many of the qualities of the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, even as we are exasperated by others, but we are mainly concerned with the Republican Party’s nominee, Donald J. Trump, who might be the most ostentatiously unqualified major-party candidate in the 227-year history of the American presidency.

These concerns compel us, for the third time since the magazine’s founding, to endorse a candidate for president. Hillary Rodham Clinton has more than earned, through her service to the country as first lady, as a senator from New York, and as secretary of state, the right to be taken seriously as a White House contender. She has flaws (some legitimately troubling, some exaggerated by her opponents), but she is among the most prepared candidates ever to seek the presidency. We are confident that she understands the role of the United States in the world; we have no doubt that she will apply herself assiduously to the problems confronting this country; and she has demonstrated an aptitude for analysis and hard work.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, has no record of public service and no qualifications for public office. His affect is that of an infomercial huckster; he traffics in conspiracy theories and racist invective; he is appallingly sexist; he is erratic, secretive, and xenophobic; he expresses admiration for authoritarian rulers, and evinces authoritarian tendencies himself. He is easily goaded, a poor quality for someone seeking control of America’s nuclear arsenal. He is an enemy of fact-based discourse; he is ignorant of, and indifferent to, the Constitution; he appears not to read.

The Atlantic goes on to say that Trump “is spectacularly unfit for office.”

I can imagine that, after a while, all these endorsements may not seem to mean much to folks. After all, isn’t that what publications/newspapers do?

But, in this unusual election cycle, it’s more than notable that historically conservative newspapers – or publications that generally don’t endorse at all – are choosing Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump.

What it means is: we aren’t crazy. He is. Trump is the one candidate uniquely unqualified to serve as president and it needs to be pointed out again and again.

Could Mitt Romney have been president? John McCain? Sure. And while the U.S. would have headed in different directions, at least we’d have had a competent leader.

Donald Trump is not that man.

I really encourage you to read the entire op-ed from The Atlantic.

Posted on

USA TODAY Endorses Clinton; Trump “Unfit For The Presidency”

Hillary Clinton (L), Donald Trump (R)

For the first time in USA TODAY’s 34 year history, the national newspaper has weighed in on a presidential election by endorsing Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

In doing so, the paper’s editorial board urges all Americans to vote, “just not for Donald Trump.”

From USA TODAY:

This year, the choice isn’t between two capable major party nominees who happen to have significant ideological differences. This year, one of the candidates — Republican nominee Donald Trump — is, by unanimous consensus of the Editorial Board, unfit for the presidency.

From the day he declared his candidacy 15 months ago through this week’s first presidential debate, Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he lacks the temperament, knowledge, steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents.

Whether through indifference or ignorance, Trump has betrayed fundamental commitments made by all presidents since the end of World War II. These commitments include unwavering support for NATO allies, steadfast opposition to Russian aggression, and the absolute certainty that the United States will make good on its debts. He has expressed troubling admiration for authoritarian leaders and scant regard for constitutional protections.

[snip]

Our bottom-line advice for voters is this: Stay true to your convictions. That might mean a vote for Clinton, the most plausible alternative to keep Trump out of the White House. Or it might mean a third-party candidate. Or a write-in. Or a focus on down-ballot candidates who will serve the nation honestly, try to heal its divisions, and work to solve its problems.

Whatever you do, however, resist the siren song of a dangerous demagogue. By all means vote, just not for Donald Trump.

Posted on

Arizona Republic Backs Hillary Clinton – 1st Democratic Endorsement In 126 Year History

For the first time in it’s 126 year history, the Arizona Republic – the largest newspaper in red state Arizona – has endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

In an election year filled with hyperbole, it really can’t be underlined enough what stunning news this is.

Near the opening of the article, the editorial board states twice that a Democratic endorsement has never occurred before. They repeat the word, “never.”

Along the way, the editors point to Clinton’s calm voice and mature demeanor; her wide-ranging knowledge of foreign policy; her long history of standing for gender equality; and her support for comprehensive immigration reform.

Here’s just a few excerpts:

The challenges the United States faces domestically and internationally demand a steady hand, a cool head and the ability to think carefully before acting.

Hillary Clinton understands this. Donald Trump does not.

Clinton has the temperament and experience to be president. Donald Trump does not.

Clinton knows how to compromise and to lead with intelligence, decorum and perspective. She has a record of public service as First Lady, senator and secretary of state.

She has withstood decades of scrutiny so intense it would wither most politicians. The vehemence of some of the anti-Clinton attacks strains credulity.

Trump hasn’t even let the American people scrutinize his tax returns, which could help the nation judge his claims of business acumen.

[snip]

She does not casually say things that embolden our adversaries and frighten our allies. Her approach to governance is mature, confident and rational.

That cannot be said of her opponent.

Clinton retains her composure under pressure. She’s tough. She doesn’t back down.

Trump responds to criticism with the petulance of verbal spit wads.

That’s beneath our national dignity.

When the president of the United States speaks, the world expects substance. Not a blistering tweet.

[snip]

In a nation with an increasingly diverse population, Trump offers a recipe for permanent civil discord.

In a global economy, he offers protectionism and a false promise to bring back jobs that no longer exist.

America needs to look ahead and build a new era of prosperity for the working class.

This is Hillary Clinton’s opportunity. She can reach out to those who feel left behind. She can make it clear that America sees them and will address their concerns.

She can move us beyond rancor and incivility.

The Arizona Republic endorses Hillary Clinton for president.

According to RealClearPolitics poll averages, Donald Trump only leads by 2.2% in Arizona.

I encourage you to read the full op-ed here.

Posted on

New York Times: Hillary Clinton For President

(image via the New York Times)

The venerable New York Times today endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

I’m certain it’s no surprise to Republican Donald Trump that his hometown paper doesn’t see him as the future leader of the free world. In fact, the Times refers to him as “the worst nominee put forward by a major party in modern American history.” (bolding is mine).

The editors focus here on the reasons why voters should consider Clinton this election cycle.

From the editorial board of the New York Times:

In any normal election year, we’d compare the two presidential candidates side by side on the issues. But this is not a normal election year. A comparison like that would be an empty exercise in a race where one candidate — our choice, Hillary Clinton — has a record of service and a raft of pragmatic ideas, and the other, Donald Trump, discloses nothing concrete about himself or his plans while promising the moon and offering the stars on layaway. (We will explain in a subsequent editorial why we believe Mr. Trump to be the worst nominee put forward by a major party in modern American history.)

But this endorsement would also be an empty exercise if it merely affirmed the choice of Clinton supporters. We’re aiming instead to persuade those of you who are hesitating to vote for Mrs. Clinton — because you are reluctant to vote for a Democrat, or for another Clinton, or for a candidate who might appear, on the surface, not to offer change from an establishment that seems indifferent and a political system that seems broken.

Running down the other guy won’t suffice to make that argument. The best case for Hillary Clinton cannot be, and is not, that she isn’t Donald Trump.

The best case is, instead, about the challenges this country faces, and Mrs. Clinton’s capacity to rise to them.

The Times goes on to list Hillary’s considerable experience including her “substantial” achievements as secretary of state, her work on behalf of 9/11 first responders’ health care, her efforts in the Senate Arms Forces Committee, her “unusual capacity to reach across the aisle,” her life-long record of service to children and families, and her “reputation for grit and bipartisan collaboration.”

The editorial board notes that Hillary’s career spans the post-Cold War era of the 90s to today’s ever-changing political landscape of a world “darkened” by the rise of terrorism.

The endorsement closes thusly:

Mrs. Clinton’s service spans both eras, and she has learned hard lessons from the three presidents she has studied up close. She has also made her own share of mistakes. She has evinced a lamentable penchant for secrecy and made a poor decision to rely on a private email server while at the State Department. That decision deserved scrutiny, and it’s had it. Now, considered alongside the real challenges that will occupy the next president, that email server, which has consumed so much of this campaign, looks like a matter for the help desk. And, viewed against those challenges, Mr. Trump shrinks to his true small-screen, reality-show proportions, as we’ll argue in detail on Monday.

Through war and recession, Americans born since 9/11 have had to grow up fast, and they deserve a grown-up president. A lifetime’s commitment to solving problems in the real world qualifies Hillary Clinton for this job, and the country should put her to work.

Posted on

First Democratic Endorsement In 100 Years – Cincinnati Enquirer Says Hillary For President

After nearly 100 years of supporting Republican presidential candidates, the Cincinnati Enquirer has endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

The Enquirer has supported Republicans for president for almost a century – a tradition this editorial board doesn’t take lightly. But this is not a traditional race, and these are not traditional times. Our country needs calm, thoughtful leadership to deal with the challenges we face at home and abroad. We need a leader who will bring out the best in all Americans, not the worst.

That’s why there is only one choice when we elect a president in November: Hillary Clinton.

Located in the vastly important swing state of Ohio, the endorsement could be of some help to Clinton. No Republican has ever won the White House without Ohio.

Among her accomplishments, the Enquirer points to the inclusivity of her campaign and her ability to consider others’ opinions as a hallmark of her campaign. Also noted is her constant message of “building bridges, not walls.”

On the flip side, the Enquirer’s editorial board takes notice of Donald Trump’s weaknesses.

Trump brands himself as an outsider untainted by special interests, but we see a man utterly corrupted by self-interest. His narcissistic bid for the presidency is more about making himself great than America.

Trump tears our country and many of its people down with his words so that he can build himself up. What else are we left to believe about a man who tells the American public that he alone can fix what ails us?

Trump has played fast and loose with the support of white supremacist groups. He has praised some of our country’s most dangerous enemies — see Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and Saddam Hussein — while insulting a sitting president, our military generals, a Gold Star family and former prisoners of war like Sen. John McCain.

Why should anyone believe that a Trump presidency would look markedly different from his offensive, erratic, stance-shifting presidential campaign?

Unreleased tax returns, bankruptcies, heavy-handed praise for our country’s most dangerous enemies and a long list of unpaid contractors add to the Trumpster’s downside.

The editorial board closes with this:

In these uncertain times, America needs a brave leader, not bravado; real solutions, not paper-thin promises; a clear eye toward the future, not a cynical appeal to the good old days.

Clinton has her faults, certainly, but she has spent a lifetime working to improve the lives of Americans both inside and outside of Washington. It’s time to elect the first female U.S. president — not because she’s a woman, but because she’s hands-down the most qualified choice.

Posted on

Teamsters Union Endorses Hillary Clinton

Major union endorsement today for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The union vote is an important part of the Clinton campaign having received previous endorsements from other major unions like the National Education Association, Service Employees International Union and the AFL-CIO.

Via press release:

Today, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced its endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president. The Teamsters General Executive Board unanimously voted to endorse the former senator and secretary of state.

“We are proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “She is the right candidate for the middle class and working men and women across the country. She will stand strong for the workers of America by fighting to reject job-killing trade deals, enforcing labor laws and working to provide retirement security for millions of people who have sacrificed so much for the chance to retire with dignity.

“The Oval Office needs to be occupied by a serious candidate who understands what it means to govern responsibly,” Hoffa said. “Donald Trump supports national right-to-work laws that are proven to weaken the middle class and has a long track record of shipping jobs out of the country as a businessman. He is no friend to working Americans.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

This is quite the blow to Donald Trump who has been actively courting the endorsement of the Teamsters.

Posted on

National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce Endorses Hillary Clinton For President

The nation’s largest LGBT business association, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, has unanimously endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

This is the first time the group has endorsed a candidate for president in it’s 15 year history.

In a statement to Buzzfeed News, Clinton said she welcomed the endorsement:

“The stakes in this election could not be higher for LGBT Americans,” Clinton said. “When Donald Trump says he’ll ‘make America great again,’ that’s code for ‘take America backwards.’ He has said he would appoint judges who would overturn marriage equality.”

The board of the LGBT chamber of commerce — which represents roughly 1.4 million LGBT business owners and has about 150 corporate and government partners — approved its resolution unanimously at a conference this week in Palm Springs, California.

In its resolution, the group praised Clinton for denouncing “LGBT discrimination as not only morally wrong, but fundamentally destructive for business.” The resolution rejected Trump’s policies, saying he has “vowed to revoke LGBT inclusive executive orders on his first day in office.”

Clinton’s opponent, Donald Trump, has famously said in recent months that he would be better for LGBT Americans (“ask the gays!”), while at the same time saying that if elected he would appoint judges to the Supreme Court that would overturn the historic Obergefell decision that brought marriage equality to the entire nation.