Washington Post Cartoon Team Critiques Management Decision Amidst Controversial Presidential Endorsement Withdrawal

 

The Washington Post's cartoon team has responded to the newspaper's controversial decision to refrain from making a formal presidential endorsement with a striking and ambiguous illustration. This artwork appears to critique the publication's “Democracy Dies in Darkness” slogan, a phrase adopted during Jeff Bezos's ownership of the paper.

This cartoon was released shortly after it was disclosed that Bezos, who has owned the Post since 2012, had opted not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump ahead of the November 5 election. The illustration was crafted by Ann Telnaes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist recognized for her sharp political commentary.

The decision to abstain from a political endorsement mirrors a similar choice made by the Los Angeles Times, leading to turmoil within the newsroom, including resignations and subscription cancellations. Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron condemned Bezos's actions, labeling them as “cowardice” and suggesting they would hinder democracy. He cautioned that this could embolden Trump, who has previously threatened retaliation against media outlets that oppose him.

Baron further emphasized that while the editorial board had provided insights on various congressional races, the lack of an endorsement in this critical instance raises questions about the paper's commitment to informing its readership. He pointedly remarked, “If their philosophy is that readers can make up their own minds on big issues, then perhaps they should reconsider running any editorials at all.”

Adding to the controversy, it was reported that Trump had a brief meeting with executives from Bezos's space exploration company, Blue Origin, on the same day the endorsement was retracted.

The Columbia Journalism Review highlighted that the decision not to endorse reflects what Yale University history professor Timothy Snyder has described as “anticipatory obedience” among media organizations owned by billionaires.

Since 2017, the Washington Post has promoted the notion that “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” This phrase was reportedly inspired by insights from veteran journalist Bob Woodward, who noted its origin in a judicial opinion related to the First Amendment and the freedom of the press.