Santa Barbara News-Press first daily paper to endorse Trump
October 19, 2016
The Santa Barbara News-Press recently endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, becoming the first daily newspaper in the United States to do so during the general election cycle. Despite facing criticism for the endorsement, the Santa Barbara daily is sticking to its decision.
Earlier this month, the News-Press published its list of endorsements without any explanations for the candidates it was choosing. Left-leaning network MSNBC then ran a segment on the Rachel Maddow Show covering the News-Press’s endorsement of Trump.
“The Santa Barbara News-Press is picking Donald Trump, but they are giving no explanation for it and no argument,” Maddow said.
Other media outlets then followed suit and covered the News-Press’s endorsement. On Wednesday, the News-Press responded by publishing an editorial explaining its support of Trump.
“We have been asked why we endorsed Donald Trump,” the editorial states. “The reasons are many. On a local level, we have seen the consequences of lawless immigration. We have reported how ignoring federal law jeopardizes our constitutional rights and, in some cases, takes lives.”
The News-Press’s editorial is only online for digital subscribers to the paper.
Since the News-Press published its endorsements, a second daily newspaper, which also has the name News-Press, likewise endorsed Trump. Missouri daily the St. Joseph News-Press is owned by the same company that owns Santa Barbara broadcaster KEYT.
The St. Joseph News-Press published an editorial stating, “Trump represents something different for a broad swath of America that is serious about wanting a less intrusive government, a more robust economic recovery and leadership that protects our interests around the world.”
During the current election cycle, some newspapers that had traditionally backed Republicans have endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. USA Today urged its readers to vote for anyone but Trump.
The Santa Barbara News-Press has conservative leanings, but its current list of endorsement includes Democratic and independent candidates. In races that affect San Luis Obispo County, the News-Press endorsed Republican Assembly candidate Jordan Cunningham, Republican congressional candidate Justin Fareed and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Loretta Sanchez. No Republican candidate qualified for the general election ballot in the Senate race.
Last year, the News-Press offices became a target for protesters and vandals after the Santa Barbara paper published a front-page headline stating, “Illegals line up for driver’s licenses.” Vandals sprayed graffiti on the News-Press offices and fired paintballs at the building.
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