Tribune Endorses Johnson

The Chicago Tribune has endorsed Gary Johnson for president. On Donald Trump they write:

The Republicans have nominated Donald Trump, a man not fit to be president of the United States. We first wrote on March 10 that we would not, could not, endorse him. And in the intervening six-plus months he has splendidly reinforced our verdict: Trump has gone out of his way to anger world leaders, giant swaths of the American public, and people of other lands who aspire to immigrate here legally. He has neither the character nor the prudent disposition for the job.

while on Hillary Clinton they write:

The Democrats have nominated Hillary Clinton, who, by contrast, is undeniably capable of leading the United States. Electing her the first woman president would break a barrier that has no reason to be. We see no rough equivalence between Trump and Clinton. Any American who lists their respective shortcomings should be more apoplectic about the litany under his name than the one under hers. He couldn’t do this job. She could.

But for reasons we’ll explain — her intent to greatly increase federal spending and taxation, and serious questions about honesty and trust — we cannot endorse her.

But with respect to Gary Johnson they note:

Libertarians Gary Johnson of New Mexico and running mate William Weld of Massachusetts are agile, practical and, unlike the major-party candidates, experienced at managing governments. They offer an agenda that appeals not only to the Tribune’s principles but to those of the many Americans who say they are socially tolerant but fiscally responsible.

On the inevitable topic of squandering a vote:

We reject the cliche that a citizen who chooses a principled third-party candidate is squandering his or her vote. Look at the number of fed-up Americans telling pollsters they clamor for alternatives to Trump and Clinton. What we’re recommending will appeal less to people who think tactically than to conscientious Americans so infuriated that they want to send a message about the failings of the major parties and their candidates. Put short:

We offer this endorsement to encourage voters who want to feel comfortable with their choice. Who want to vote for someone they can admire.

and in conclusion:

This year neither major party presents a good option. So the Chicago Tribune today endorses Libertarian Gary Johnson for president of the United States. Every American who casts a vote for him is standing for principles — and can be proud of that vote. Yes, proud of a candidate in 2016.

Read the whole thing.

12 comments… add one
  • ... Link

    Trump has gone out of his way to anger world leaders, giant swaths of the American public, and people of other lands who aspire to immigrate here legally.

    Hillary, on the other hand, has a great history of getting world leaders like Putin to work with her. Not to mention her calling a quarter of Americans deplorable, words that she wouldn’t think of using on, say, people like the Pulse nightclub shooter, the 9/11 terrorists, or their sponsors the Saudis, who have given her and her husband millions and millions of dollars.

    As for insulting non-Americans – tough fucking shit.

    I get a kick out of the compliment to Hillary, though. Her biggest resume item is that she has allowed herself to be treated worse than toilet paper for forty years now. (Toilet paper only gets used once, and then gets thrown away. How many times has Bill publicly used Hillary?) That’s some resume!

  • michael reynolds Link

    The Tribune as dumb as ever, I see. Gary Johnson is absurd.

    This is not a hard one. There are four people running, only one of whom has any experience, any knowledge, any understanding of the job. This is 2 +2 = 4. This is so easy, so obvious, so beyond rational dispute that only bigotry or imbecility can explain a vote for anyone other than Hillary.

  • walt moffett Link

    Well, guess us irrational, bigoted, imbeciles should just stay home lest we be called names again. FWIW, currently weighing either Ash “Make America Groovy Again” Williams or Cthulhu/Dagon.

  • TastyBits Link

    I have to laugh about the First Lady being used as a qualification. Apparently, marriage does matter, and a wife is not her husband’s equal.

    Hillary Clinton is ONLY a candidate because she was able to perform in bed well enough to get Bill Clinton to marry her, and if she has been competent at the job of First Lady, Monica Lewinsky would not have had to take over part of her duties.

  • ... Link

    Vote groovy, Walt. In an insane election, it’s the only rational choice.

  • Andy Link

    “This is so easy, so obvious, so beyond rational dispute that only bigotry or imbecility can explain a vote for anyone other than Hillary.”

    That should be HRC’s new slogan, I’m sure it will be a winner.

  • ... Link

    How anyone could doubt that Hillary is the best choice for President EVER after the success of her Reset Button Diplomacy is beyond me. Relations with Russia have never been better!

  • PD Shaw Link

    GEORGE WASHINGTON FOR PRESIDENT!!!

    http://www.mountvernon.org/campaign2016/#videos

  • PD Shaw Link

    Why vote for the crook?
    Why vote for the unqualified con-man?

    Vote for integrity.
    Vote for leadership.
    Vote for George Washington.

  • Guarneri Link

    I’m really disappointed in you, Tasty.

    Those years as First Lady were vital to honing a keen and presidential intuitive sense, like understanding how a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy could cause her husbands DNA to find itself cast about( and when to declare evil interns deranged stalkers), and how wicked purveyors of provocative YouTube videos tended to cause rioting and death of US diplomats in far off lands. This is true presidential timber.

    Up until then her talents had been limited to non-presidential talents like ace cattle futures trading acumen. Hell, she was even known to absent mindedly lose important billing records. (Although one would have to admit she probably did come to the First Lady position with a sense of) when those surrounding her would need immunity deals.

    What’s with you? You an imbecile? A bigot?

  • ... Link

    Whatever he is, Drew, I’m sure he’s deplorable.

  • steve Link

    Relations with Russia will be so much better with Trump as president. Since they own most of his debt Putin can just tell Trump what to do. Problem solved.

    Steve

Leave a Comment