USA Today, the fourth largest newspaper in the U.S., has announced it will not endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, a marked shift from its endorsement of Joe Biden in 2020. Speaking to The Daily Beast, USA Today stated that instead of endorsing, it would focus on providing readers with essential facts to guide their decisions.
This move follows similar decisions from The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times, both known for their left-leaning stances, who also declined to endorse a candidate this year. In contrast, The New York Times endorsed Harris. Both the Post and LA Times have faced staff resignations and declining subscriber numbers, suggesting internal divisions over the decision.
BREAKING: USA Today joins The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times and will NOT endorse a candidate for president. Running for cover? They sense the end is near for propaganda news pic.twitter.com/SrzQ9t18Px
— The Conservative M. D. 🗨️🇺🇸 (@WarriorsForAll) October 29, 2024
In a statement, USA Today spokesperson Lark-Marie Anton explained, “We believe America’s future is decided locally—one race at a time.” Anton emphasized that Gannett, which owns USA Today and over 200 local publications, would refrain from presidential endorsements this year, although individual papers can endorse local candidates.
In 2020, USA Today broke its longstanding non-endorsement tradition to back Biden, citing concerns over a second Trump term. The editorial board called Biden a “harbor of calm and competence” while labeling Trump “unfit” due to temperament and lack of knowledge. This year, however, they appear less willing to endorse Harris, suggesting hesitation over her candidacy.
NEWSPAPERS THAT ENDORSED BIDEN BUT NOT HARRIS
Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, USA Today
The Minnesota Star Tribune, Tampa Bay Times
All the Gannett, McClatchy, and Alden local papers
The list grow is growing! pic.twitter.com/VjlMSgHtGq— Brother Eric (@01IOTA) October 28, 2024
The decision underscores USA Today’s pivot to a more neutral approach as it navigates a politically divided media landscape, with many noting the departure from 2020’s urgency. The paper’s stance reflects a growing trend among major outlets to sidestep endorsements in an effort to provide balanced, factual coverage.
