Tampa newspaper withholds presidential endorsement

[Kadie]

Tampa newspaper withholds presidential endorsement

Sunday, October 17, 2004


(10-17) 13:26 PDT TAMPA, Fla. (AP) --

In a break with tradition, The Tampa Tribune, a Republican standard-bearer for decades, refused Sunday to endorse anyone for president for the first time since 1964.

The newspaper has solidly supported every Republican presidential nominee since 1952, except for Barry Goldwater, but withheld its endorsement this year, calling the decision "achingly difficult" and blaming shortcomings of both candidates.

Editors instead published an unusual full-page editorial with harsh criticism of the war in Iraq and President Bush's economic policies.

"President Bush told us that he was 'a uniter, not a divider,' but shortly after taking office, his administration took a sharp right turn that has divided this country," the editorial said. The newspaper said it was "deeply disappointed" with Bush on federal spending, the budget deficit and the recession.

more...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/10/17/politics1626EDT0502.DTL


direct link...
http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGBU3UEHF0E.html

[Citizen Jane]

1. Soooo, does that

qualify as a non-endorsement endorsement?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

2. This is a MAJOR decision by a very conservative newspaper.

[geomon666]

3. True

I actually respect their decision. It tells me they are real republicans and not just fascist foot soldiers.

[Florida_Geek]

4. Funny thing about this Repug newspaper

They are very very far LEFT on any environment issue. That is the only thing they are left on.

[flvegan]

5. This is my hometown paper...

They've been running pro-Kerry editorials for a week. Environment, economy, etc. They might as well have endorsed Kerry 4 or 5 times by now.

And yes, this is a very right(ish) conservative paper.

[sundancekid]

6. as goes tampa, so does florida????????????