Our role in endorsements

By KEITH PONDER
Glasgow Daily Times

October 04, 2008 12:46 pm

— Last time we were together, I shared some historical perspective of U.S. newspapers and specifically their evolution from news gathers advocating revolutionary ideas to partisan political organs to journalism’s modern era of balanced and objective reporting with the editorial page reserved as the marketplace of ideas, ideals and opinion.
Within that editorial page structure, often the least understood and most maligned topic is that of newspaper endorsements. And this time of year, it’s high season for endorsements.
Since Carroll Knicely came to Glasgow and brought two struggling newspapers together into what became the Glasgow Daily Times, more than 50 years ago, this newspaper has endorsed local, state and national candidates. Mr. Knicely was a tireless newspaperman who told me once what he missed most was having this forum — his column, the newspaper editorials, endorsements and the page itself because it meant ideas he felt important to us were not being discussed throughout Glasgow and Barren County. He consistently endorsed candidates throughout his stewardship and then passed the torch to Bill Tinsley who continued the tradition through his time at the GDT.
Both were far better publishers than I and both had the right idea in endorsing candidates. It was a practice we continued when I came to Glasgow 10 years ago and continued through my first tour. We will begin that tradition again this fall in selected local and statewide races (state Senate, U.S. Senate and U.S. Representative) and then resume full slate endorsements during the next election season.
A few thoughts on the rationale behind the decision: Newspapers, especially this one, are in no way, shape or form telling you who to vote for. We have too much respect for you as a reader to do so. What we are saying is that if the newspaper could vote, this is who she would vote for and why. You have invited us into your homes, many of you for decades, and we hope that our connection runs deep. Much as friends and neighbors who discuss these types of issues, we’re stating an opinion just as we would have a conversation with you.
As journalists, we are often afforded a front row seat to events and people who ultimately make policy and make headlines. And as a matter of efficiency, expediency and tradition, elected officials are willing to take valuable time to meet with newspapers who reach into upward of half the homes in the market. It’s an efficient way to communicate and as a result, we have access that Joe Citizen likely would not have unless they take their checkbook to a fundraiser. We get a chance to ask questions of candidates that you likely would ask if given the chance.
At our best, our endorsements are based upon our observations during the campaign, experience with the candidate and interviews before the endorsement. That can happen in local and state races but generally not in national races.
The endorsement or lack of endorsement does not imply, presume or enable preferential treatment for the candidate or the elected-official should they prevail. Objectivity and fairness are tantamount during the campaign, during the endorsement consideration and after the election. Those characteristics endure, come what may.
In our small community, where often we know both candidates quite well, endorsements are often a difficult quandary. But I believe, strongly believe, that our voice is worth preserving and our perspective of value to some citizens.
We will continue endorsements, as has been our custom for 48 of the past 50 years, to have an opinion on issues and candidates and share that with you, our valued reader.
Keith Ponder is publisher of the Glasgow Daily Times and vice president and Great Plains Division manager for CNHI.