Perhaps an alternative editorial board approach to the slavish adherence to an ideology or a political party would be to analyze and consider the individual personal quality, professional experience, and job execution of candidates? Perhaps comparing those characteristics would be more useful for the citizens of Florida in the projected environment? Perhaps that evaluation should be based on merit, objectivity, and comprehensive intellect, rather than race, gender, and national origin? Perhaps an approach truly comparing past performance and projected potential of a candidate’s impact would change the trajectory of the abysmally low (and sinking) public opinion of the media in America? Perhaps journalism that clearly separates factual reporting from partisan opining will enhance the effect of editorial endorsements?
The Times endorsement clearly did not take this approach in coming to its “conclusion” recommending Rep. Demings for U.S. Senator to its readership in the Tampa Bay area. The incumbent U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio, to all but the most biased, clearly has a qualitative edge that was all but disregarded by the Board. An editorial board with courage might have balanced the candidate qualities more objectively. Notwithstanding their political preferences, they might even have taken a neutral stand! But no! As they did in 2018 when they endorsed the drug addled, morally challenged, Mayor of Tallahassee for Governor, they endorsed the Democratic nominee for Senator on the basis of race, gender and far left political orthodoxy. The real question is, will they have the courage and independence to print this letter?
Walter K. Steiner
Captain, U. S. Navy (Retired)
“Walter Steiner is a retired member of the United States Navy. Use of military rank, service and job titles does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.”