The Importance Of Endorsements | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Importance Of Endorsements

Because yes, sometimes we need to be told what is best.

99
The Importance Of Endorsements
The New York Times

For starters, I need to apologize. Earlier this year I wrote an article – admittedly, not a particularly good one – disparaging publications that endorse political candidates. I would now like to recant that statement entirely.

It’s clear this election is unlike any the country has witnessed before, for never has there been such animosity toward the two major candidates. The growing sentiment of feeling forced to choose between “the lesser of two evils” is leading moderate, undecided voters to throw up their hands in exasperation, and is particularly disheartening toward millennials for whom 2016 features their first presidential vote.

With less than a month to go until Election Day, this isn’t so much as a call to action for media to produce presidential endorsements, but a call for readers to review them. Think about the newspapers you regularly read. Whether because they’re nationally comprehensive like The New York Times or your local paper, you likely respect the work they do and the values they exemplify. You trust their judgment when it comes to the news; perhaps it’s not too ridiculous to suggest you trust their judgment this election (whether you’ve already decided or not, it's at least worth taking into consideration).

Newspaper endorsements carry much more weight than the average celebrity endorsement. This isn’t to say famous people haven’t made incredible contributions to inspire citizens to vote – just check out Joss Whedon’s Save the Day video or Lin Manuel Miranda’s series of “Vote” videos with the Hamilton cast. These may be more geared toward simply telling viewers to get out and vote on Election Day, but digging a little deeper clearly shows these actors are backing Hillary.

All of this to say, since it’s the media’s job to gather every ounce of information about upcoming elections and the top contenders and filter it into digestible content for their readers, publications are likely to have a firmer grasp on both sides of the story (or all sides, if they endorse third party), and relay that to their audience rather than a simple #ImWithHer statement. (Notably, not a single editorial has endorsed Trump.)

Journalists are public servants and they owe it to their readers to yes, present news in an unbiased fashion, but it is the passion in opinion pieces that spark debate and conversations, which in turn spark change and education. Conversations with like-minded individuals – or worse, indifferent individuals – only leave everyone with blinders on. If it is a reporter’s duty to take off this nation’s blinders, they have a responsibility to unabashedly, unhesitantly guide them in the right direction.

Here’s an updated list of some of the top papers and their endorsed candidate. And just for fun, here’s a complied list of celebrity endorsements.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

13853
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2731
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1662
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments