On October 25, 2024, The Washington Post announced it would not endorse a candidate in that year’s presidential election or in future presidential races. The Post’s reporting attributed the decision to owner Jeff Bezos; publisher Will Lewis announced it. The paper’s editorial page staff had drafted an endorsement of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, but it was not published.
What happened at The Washington Post
The announcement changed the paper’s regular practice of endorsing presidential candidates. It did not end every kind of endorsement: The Post said it would continue endorsing candidates in other races, including local contests. The Post’s October 25 report attributed the decision to Bezos and reported that a Harris endorsement draft existed but had not been published.
Keeping the roles distinct matters: reporting said Bezos made the decision, while Lewis communicated it. The editorial board did not announce the change itself.
Why Bezos said the paper would not endorse
In an October 28 opinion article, Bezos argued that presidential endorsements can create a perception that a newspaper is biased or not independent, particularly when public trust in news media is low. He presented the policy as a principle, and said no candidate or campaign had been consulted. Those statements explain his public rationale; they do not independently establish his private motives or prove it was the only reason.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Bezos also acknowledged the announcement’s timing was poor: “I wish we had made the change earlier than we did, in a moment further from the election and the emotions around it. That was inadequate planning, and not some intentional strategy.” His published defense described the timing as inadequate planning.
Why the timing and process drew criticism
The announcement came shortly before the November 5, 2024 election. The calendar dates provide a clearer account than a “days before” calculation, which can vary with counting conventions and publication timing.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The Post reported reader backlash and the resignations of opinion contributors Robert Kagan and Michele Norris on October 27. Former Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein criticized the decision, saying it ignored the paper’s reporting on Donald Trump’s threat to democracy. Their objection was that the editorial policy conflicted with the implications of the paper’s own reporting.
The Washington Post Guild also questioned the process. In a statement quoted by the Post, it said: “The message from our chief executive, Will Lewis — not from the Editorial Board itself — makes us concerned that management interfered with the work of our members in Editorial.” That was the Guild’s concern, not a legal ruling or independent finding that interference occurred. The Post’s October 27 coverage reported the reaction and contributor departures.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the Blue Origin meeting does—and does not—show
The Post reported that Blue Origin chief executive Dave Limp met with Donald Trump on the same day the endorsement decision was announced. Bezos said he did not know of the meeting beforehand and denied a connection: “There is no connection between it and our decision on presidential endorsements, and any suggestion otherwise is false.” The contemporaneous account establishes the reported coincidence and Bezos’s denial; it does not establish a quid pro quo or prove an undisclosed motive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the decision fits the paper’s history
The Post said it began regularly endorsing presidential candidates in 1976, after earlier periods without endorsements. It also recalled that in 1960 its editorial board considered whether an independent newspaper in the nation’s capital should avoid formal endorsements. The editorial later wrote: “In the light of hindsight we retain the view that the arguments for [Eisenhower’s] nomination and election were compelling. But hindsight also has convinced us that it might have been wiser for an independent newspaper in the Nation’s Capital to have avoided formal endorsement.” The paper also did not endorse in 1988. The Post’s historical account places the 2024 policy against those earlier exceptions and its regular practice since 1976.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What readers can conclude
- The Post announced an end to its presidential endorsements, not to endorsements in all races.
- Its reporting attributed the decision to Bezos, and reported that an endorsement draft for Harris had been prepared but not published.
- Bezos publicly defended the policy as a way to avoid the appearance of bias, while acknowledging the announcement came too late.
- Critics focused on the timing and the way management announced the decision; the evidence cited here does not settle whether the policy had another motive or what its long-term effects were.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
