Jump directly to the content
THE GRAY'S LADIES

NYT backs Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar in 2020 and explains why it snubbed Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders

THE NEW York Times has sprung a surprise in announcing who it is endorsing in the 2020 election.

The Times' editorial board revealed it is backing two candidates, and , in a break from its usual "convention."

The New York Times editorial board endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., for president
6
The New York Times editorial board endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., for presidentCredit: Reuters
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., was endorsed by the Times for the 2020 presidency
6
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., was endorsed by the Times for the 2020 presidencyCredit: Rex Features

The board not only explained why it backs the two women, but also their reasoning behind snubbing and — two Democratic frontrunners.

Warren falls on the progressive side of the , while Klobuchar is more moderate.

“May the best woman win,” the editorial board .

The Times’ decision was “meant to address the ‘realist’ and ‘radical’ models being presented to voters by the .”

The Times editorial board usually endorses candidates popular with the Democratic or Republican Party establishment
6
The Times editorial board usually endorses candidates popular with the Democratic or Republican Party establishmentCredit: Bloomberg - Getty
Both former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., were snubbed from the Times endorsement
6
Both former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., were snubbed from the Times endorsementCredit: Alamy Live News
Warren and Klobuchar shown here about to shake hands at the sixth Democratic presidential debate last week
6
Warren and Klobuchar shown here about to shake hands at the sixth Democratic presidential debate last weekCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The board, which is separate from The Times’ newsroom, did not endorse , and argued he “must be defeated.”

With that in mind, however, the board said it “does not take a position on the best path forward for Democrats.”

The board said both Warren and Klobuchar are ”the most effective advocates” for a radical and a realist approach, and both paths “warrant serious consideration.”

Health was noted as a “serious concern" for 78-year-old Sanders, who had a in October. Additionally, his unwillingness to cooperate was also listed as a concern.

The Times noted the ages of Biden, 77, and Sanders, 78, in their decision
6
The Times noted the ages of Biden, 77, and Sanders, 78, in their decisionCredit: AFP or licensors

The Times board noted Biden’s age and awkward gaffes he’s made while publicly speaking.

Biden, per the board, should “pass the torch to a new generation of political leaders.”

Pete Buttigieg, the 38-year-old former mayor of , was praised as having a “bright political future.”

During previous presidential elections, the Times board has typically endorsed a candidate popular with the party establishment.

They endorsed in the 2016 Democratic primary, and in 2008, endorsed her in the primary over .

In 2004, the Times endorsed John Kerry and in 2000 chose Al Gore.

Each time the Times board chose a candidate who was popular with the Democratic party and, except for 2008, the eventual presidential nominee.


Do you have a story for The US Sun team?

Email us at [email protected] or call 212-416-4552.


Topics