It’s safe to say this year’s presidential election has been anything but normal. Candidates are visiting countries they once vilified, and old enemies are becoming allies. In addition to these rarities, the Dallas Morning News has switched course for the first time since World War II and endorsed Hillary Clinton. This is somewhat surprising, for a Democrat presidential nominee has not won the red state of Texas since 1976. The Morning News editorial board explained how their selection was based on Clinton’s experience while admitting she has made mistakes in the past. The editorial board seemed a bit conflicted but indicated they made a rational decision:
“We don’t come to this decision easily. This newspaper has not recommended a Democrat for the nation’s highest office since before World War II. We’ve been critical of Clinton’s handling of certain issues in the past. But unlike Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton has experience in actual governance, a record of service and a willingness to delve into real policy.”
The editorial board spent a significant amount of time endorsing Clinton’s credentials, specifically her time spent as Secretary of State, and they believe she has the acumen to lead the country. While Texas is predominantly a red state, the publication felt Trump was harming the image of traditional Republican values. They felt his campaign was based on using rhetoric to slam opponents, instead of talking about the issues:
“Trump’s values are hostile to conservatism. He plays on fear — exploiting base instincts of xenophobia, racism and misogyny — to bring out the worst in all of us, rather than the best. His serial shifts on fundamental issues reveal an astounding absence of preparedness. And his improvisational insults and midnight tweets exhibit a dangerous lack of judgment and impulse control.”
One newspaper endorsement may not sway the election into Clinton’s favor, but the paper’s endorsement is a statement on the election as a whole. Trump has been a polarizing figure to say the least and has not been getting along with the GOP establishment. We have seen many prominent Republicans throw their support behind Clinton this election season, and the Dallas Morning News endorsement could be a sign of more to come.
(Via The Dallas Morning News and National Archives and Records Administration)
