The first primary elections are set to start over the coming few weeks and candidates have been getting endorsements to improve their chances of winning.
However, one of the most widely anticipated endorsements is from the New York Times and for the first time in decades, the paper’s editorial team has decided to endorse two candidates. The New York Times Editorial Board announced on Sunday that it will be endorsing Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Amy Klobuchar for the Democratic ticket.
The announcement was made through an Op-Ed titled “The Democrats’ Best Choices for President”. The editorial board noted that it spent nearly 12 hours discussing all the possible candidates before arriving at this decision.
The board also noted that this decision was based on the candidates’ positions on the future of the country. The Op-Ed stated that traditionally, the New York Times has endorsed candidates with a more “traditional view of moving the country forward within the institutional and constitutional frameworks.”
However, the editors noted that in recent years, especially during the Trump presidency, the power of institutions and their ability to enhance good governance has been significantly undermined. Radical viewpoints from both sides of the divide seem to be the order of the day.
Despite this, the editorial board still believes that its endorsement is in line with the values of constitutionalism. According to people with inside knowledge of the board’s thinking, Warren is seen as the best leftist candidate while Amy Klobuchar is considered one of the best centrist liberals.
Recent polling data shows that both of these candidates are still trailing the leading Democratic contenders including Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Warren is not doing bad but Amy Klobuchar is way behind. As a matter of fact, recent entrant Mike Bloomberg has really closed the gap and is now ranking among the top five candidates in recent polling.
Bloomberg and his millions seem to be working very well. The former New York City Mayor has spent over $2 million in campaign ads and seems to have a chest of financing that gives him a solid edge over the other candidates.
Right now, it seems like Sanders, Bidden, Buttigieg, Warren, and Bloomberg are the most immediate frontrunners for the Democratic ticket. Whether the endorsement of the New York Times will give Warren an edge over the four other candidates remains to be seen but it’s a good sign for the Massachusetts senator.
All of these candidates are hoping for a chance to challenge president Donald Trump. Trump is presumably going to be the Republican nominee for the White House and is probably one of the most popular incumbents among registered republicans in decades. Despite this, Trump’s reelection comes on the backdrop of a polarizing impeachment.
The president is accused of soliciting political interference from a foreign country by using military aid as leverage to pressure the Ukrainian government to dig up dirt on Joe Biden. Trump has denied the allegations and is currently facing an impeachment trial in the US senate. It’s very likely though that he will be acquitted by the GOP-dominated chamber.
