For the first time in history the Arizona Republic, a pro-Republican newspaper, has endorsed a Democrat for president.
The newspaper announced its unequivocal endorsement of Hillary Clinton Tuesday, citing concerns that Republican nominee Donald Trump simply isn’t qualified.
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“The challenges the United States faces domestically and internationally demand a steady hand, a cool head and the ability to think carefully before acting. Hillary Clinton understands this. Donald Trump does not,” read the Arizona Republic’s column.
“Clinton has the temperament and experience to be president. Donald Trump does not.”
The Republic, which began publication in 1890 under the name “The Arizona Republican,” has endorsed Republican candidates for over 120 years.
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The newspaper’s column slammed Trump for his “long history of objectifying women” and “deep character flaws” that would make him a poor representative of United States. The column also noted that Trump’s harsh stance on immigration is reminiscent of Arizona’s controversial “show me your papers” law, which allows police to check the immigration status of anyone they stop.
“Arizona went down the hardline immigration road Trump travels,” read the column. “Arizona understands that we don’t need a repeat of that divisive, unproductive fiasco on the national level.”
But what surprised many was the amount of praise given to Clinton in the historic endorsement; noting that she has the opportunity to “heal the nation.”
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“Clinton knows how to compromise and to lead with intelligence, decorum and perspective,” the newspaper’s editorial board wrote. “She has withstood decades of scrutiny so intense it would wither most politicians.”
However, the Republic did criticize Clinton making some “serious missteps” throughout her career, including her use of private email servers while serving as secretary of state.
Within hours of posting its endorsement online, the newspaper received thousands of angry comments from pro-Trump and pro-Republican readers who threatened to cancel their subscription to the newspaper thanks to their endorsement. The Republic’s Facebook post regarding its endorsement has since been shared over 2,000 times.
The Republic isn’t the first pro-Republican newspaper to throw its support behind Clinton. The Cincinnati Enquirer and the Houston Chronicle — both of which have supported Republican candidates for over 100 years — have both endorsed Clinton. The Dallas Morning News also announced its support for Clinton earlier this month. The newspaper hasn’t recommended a Democrat for president since before the Second World War.
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