This newspaper has not supported a Republican for president since 1972. But we believe President Trump, for all his faults, is the better choice this year.
Via @pgopinions https://t.co/dZYEQp3pGY
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) November 1, 2020
The Pittsburg Post-Gazette announced it is endorsing President Trump in this year’s presidential election. The paper hasn’t endorsed a Republican presidential candidate since 1972.
The editorial board, in an op-ed published late last night, acknowledges what they view as the president’s weaknesses – namely his gruff personality and his crudeness. But, it says, the Trump record cannot be dismissed as insignificant.
“Can we separate the man from the record?” the board asks.
“Under Donald Trump the economy, pre-COVID, boomed, like no time since the 1950s. Look at your 401(k) over the past three years.”
“Unemployment for Black Americans is lower than it has ever been, under any president of either party.”
“No one ever asked the American people, or the people in ‘flyover, country, if they wanted to send their jobs abroad — until Mr. Trump. He has moved the debate, in both parties, from free trade, totally unfettered, to managed, or fair, trade. He has put America first, just as he said he would.”
The Board also draws what it considers to be important distinctions between the Trump/Pence ticket and the Biden/Harris ticket.
“Mr. Biden is too old for the job, and fragile. There is a very real chance he will not make it through the term. Mr. Trump is also too old but seemingly robust. But in Mike Pence, Mr. Trump has a vice president ready to take over, if need be. He is a safe pair of hands. Sen. Kamala Harris gives no evidence of being ready to be president.”
“This newspaper has not supported a Republican for president since 1972,” the board writes in conclusion. “But we believe Mr. Trump, for all his faults, is the better choice this year. We respect and understand those who feel otherwise…Each American must make up his or her own mind and do what he or she thinks is best for the community and the republic. Vote your conscience. And, whatever happens, believe in the country.”
Read the paper’s endorsement in its entirety here.