In an obvious sign of waning confidence, several of America’s largest and traditionally liberal-leaning newspapers have declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential run, suggesting that even mainstream media is bracing for a strong showing by Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and now USA Today—the nation’s fourth-largest newspaper—have all withheld their endorsements, an unusual and telling move for outlets that have historically backed Democratic candidates.

The Washington Post’s decision not to endorse Harris has led to a sharp backlash from its liberal readership, with the paper seeing a tidal wave of subscription cancellations. By midday Monday, over 200,000 digital subscribers had canceled their accounts, according to reports citing sources within the paper. This figure reportedly represents nearly 8% of the publication’s total 2.5 million paid circulation, which includes both digital and print subscriptions. Adding to the internal turmoil, several of the paper’s high-profile columnists and members of its editorial team have resigned, further highlighting the divide within the organization and the fallout from owner Jeff Bezos’s decision to block the endorsement.

The Los Angeles Times has also opted out of endorsing Harris, with some pointing to a growing rift between the newspaper’s liberal ownership and its readers. The daughter of the Times’ owner, a self-described “activist,” reportedly blamed the decision on Harris’s “pro-Israel” stance, accusing her of complicity in what she described as “genocide.”

Now, USA Today joins the lineup of major publications declining to support the vice president, underscoring the seriousness of the situation for the Harris campaign. The decision by such influential newspapers to withhold endorsements is perhaps an unprecedented indicator of the challenges Harris faces in her bid for the White House.

Political analysts suggest this shift may indicate that even traditionally liberal institutions are preparing for a potential landslide victory for Trump, who remains the Republican frontrunner. With these publications typically leaning toward Democratic candidates, the lack of support for Harris points to broader skepticism about her viability on the national stage.

The reluctance of traditionally liberal media outlets to endorse Kamala Harris may also reflect concerns about future access to a potential Trump administration. With Donald Trump leading the Republican ticket and frequently voicing his disapproval of media coverage he deems biased, these publications may be wary of endorsing Harris for fear of being shut out should Trump return to office. Known for his critical stance on press outlets that challenge him, Trump has previously denied access to journalists and media organizations he perceives as adversarial, a practice that could easily extend to a second term if he perceives a renewed endorsement of Harris as an affront.

For outlets like The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today, maintaining open lines of communication with any administration is crucial to their reporting.  However, these organizations may be weighing the risk of alienating Trump, a candidate who is known for his swift and often severe responses to perceived slights. By withholding endorsements, they may be positioning themselves to retain essential access if Trump returns to the White House.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)