E&P Exclusive: Daily Endorsement Tally: Singleton Papers Flip-Flop in Denv

[Tesibria]

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000683265
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E&P has learned that two major newspapers, both in the stable of William Dean Singleton, will do "flip-flops" on Sunday: the Denver Post, which backed Al Gore in 2000, will endorse President George Bush, while the Los Angeles Daily News, which backed Bush in 2000, will come out for Kerry.

This reflects Singleton's stated avowal that local papers in his MediaNews empire can make up their own minds on endorsements. Singleton is known to be a strong supporter of Bush. The fact that he has become publisher of the Post probably explains it's change of heart since 2000. But this gives the president both major papers in Denver in the key swing state of Colorado.

The Los Angeles Daily News endorsement of Kerry is a surprise for this moderate to conservative paper. It has added impact, as the Los Angeles Times once again is not endorsing a candidate. However, California is a safe state for Kerry. (NOTE: Corrected on edit)
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Meanwhile, E&P has learned from several sources at the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the paper's nine-person editorial board decided earlier this week that it wanted to endorse Kerry but Publisher Alex Machaskee, who has final say, has decided on Bush. The paper backed Bush in 2000. This has caused consternation in some quarters at the Plain Dealer, with sources telling E&P that the endorsement editorial, which was expected to run Sunday, was put off.

[TrueAmerican]

1. California is a safe state for Bush?

You meant Kerry.

[Tesibria]

6. i bet that's a typo ... nt

[Tesibria]

7. It was a TYPO on the site -- CORRECTED now

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. "However, California is a safe state for Bush. "

Say what?

[Brundle_Fly]

3. I was rubbing my head

on that one too.

say WHAAAA...

safe to lose.

[annerevere]

4. As a Denver Post subscriber, I will believe it when I see it

If it's true, they will receive thousands of letters of protest. And mine will be among them. Let see what the Post does with them.

Sue O'Brien, the chair of the editorial board who died a year ago, would turn over in her grave if this is true.

Unbelievable.

[intheflow]

5. I'll be sending the Post my comments, too.

No way, no how should a Denver paper endorse Bush. If the yard signs in my Denver neighborhood are any indication of Kerry support by voters in the city, Kerry should win this county (at least) by a landslide.

[hlthe2b]

8. Dear God--surely the Post won't go for Bush*

I will absolutely bombard them with letters/calls/editorials and then end my 10 year subscription if they do.

[otohara]

9. I Canceled RMNews in 2000

even though my significant other enjoyed the layout better in the RMN's. Besidest there was a semi safe haven over at The Denver Post - Shit, this really pisses me off if true.

[donheld]

10. I'm Glad to see i'm not the only one

who is PISSED at the Denver Newspapers. We need to protest this strongly.

[denverbill]

15. Well, you can believe it now.

I'm about ready to dump that rag. It used to be the 'left wing' of the two papers, but since the merger they are indistinguishable. Damn liberal media.

[JusticeForAll]

11. The LA Times is providing no endorsement? why not? n/t

[Ediacara]

12. And from out of left field

The Billings (MT) Gazette endorses Kerry. This is a pickup for the Dems :-)

[DJ Dave]

13. It is true, I'm sorry to say, I just saw the DP's endorsement of *

anybody want to bet that this was a direct mandate from Singleton, the new owner of the Denver Post?

[GOTV]

14. The Plain Dealer can be reached at...

The Plain Dealer,
1801 Superior Ave,
Cleveland 44114.

Email can be sent to [e-mail].
Faxes can be sent to 216-999-6209.