The American Presidency Project has a final tally of whom major U.S. newspapers endorsed for president in 2012. The winner and probably not a surprise: Barack Obama received the endorsement of 41 newspapers. Mitt Romney got the nod from 34. Two editorial boards gave a split endorsement.
Among the big endorsements for Obama: The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Washington Post. For Romney: The Dallas Morning News, New York Daily News, New York Post and Houston Chronicle. The conservative Wall Street Journal doesn't endorse candidates.
The Observer endorsed Barack Obama, although we noted that neither choice was inspiring.
Twelve newspapers that endorsed Obama in 2008 decided on Romney in 2012, while only one, the San Antonio Express-News, endorsed Obama this year after endorsing John McCain in 2008. Eighteen newspapers endorsed no candidates; most did so as matter of endorsement policy, not an unwillingness to pick one this election.
Among all newspapers, however, Republicans have received the nod more often in 16 of the previous 20 presidential elections, dating back to 1932, according to newspaper trade publication Editor & Publisher. Many of those Republican endorsements come from small circulation newspapers.
USA Today's John McIver helpfully breaks down the historical data:
That's a clear shift toward Democrats, although E&P shows a 146-120 Romney lead in endorsements thus far among all newspapers. .Since 1932, E&P has recorded almost 18,000 endorsements by more than 2,600 newspapers nationally. In any given year, there are 300 to 1,000 endorsements. Based on my study of E&P data, Republican presidential candidates have received more newspaper endorsements over the years — though perhaps things are starting to shift in the Democrats' favor. Let's look at recent decades:
- In the 1940s, out of 1,043 newspaper endorsements: Republican candidates got 76%, Democrats, 24%.
- In the '60s, out of 839 newspapers, Republicans received 68%, Democrats, 32%.
- In the '80s, out of 452 newspapers, Republicans got 78%, Democrats, 22%.
- In the 2000s, out of 394 newspapers, Democrats received 51.9% of the endorsements, Republicans 48.1%.
Peter St. Onge
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12 comments:
Investors Business Daily endorsed Romney last Friday. FWIW, IBD much better source for business research...
What I get out of this is that newspapers have become irrelevant.
I've often wondered what it is about pursuing a journalism degree that makes the student so liberal. You look at the 20 largest newspapers, ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN, and the senior leadership of those organizations are 90% registered Democrats. It's just baffling. I've often said that if you want to know the truth on something, watch ABC's coverage, then watch Fox News Channel's coverage. Somewhere between them you will find the truth.
J...
The problem is, there is no outlet somewhere between them.
Attention, Charlotte Observer.
The story you meant to run on Wednesday is showing up early.
Most newspapers have dug their own grave. Through their clear bias in how they go about reporting, to the lack of follow-up or hard-hitting questions of liberals, or selection of those articles that favor a Progressive message, I could care less about who a newspaper endorses.
It'll almost unilaterally be a Leftist.
So "about those Left newspapers" was suppose to be snarky comment about the non bias? You clowns endorsed Obama who just two days ago said vote "out of revenge" while Romney said "vote out of love for you country". The choice, the right choice couldn't more starker unless you are a mindless sycophant like the CO.
Did Pete just post something that allows comments on it? Must be a mistake.
Reading comprehension. Get some.
It certainly appears from your head that you're being defensive about your profession, the St. Onge. No need. you're not responsible for your profession or any bais that may be present elsewhere.
But tell me: who was the last Republican that the Observer endorsed for president?
Thanks Klo.
We were worried all we would see are comments showing how people felt/thought and you have come along to show us all how superior you are.
Too often those of your status do not deem to bother with the likes of us.
We appreciate your candor.
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