Arizona Republic breaks 126-year tradition, endorses Clinton

The Arizona Republic began publication in 1890 and until this week had never endorsed a Democrat over a Republican for president. On Sept. 28, following the first presidential debate on Sept. 26, the newspaper endorsed Hillary Clinton for president and declared the Republican nominee “not qualified.”

The newspaper said its history of backing GOP candidates reflected “a deep philosophical appreciation for conservative ideals and Republican principles.”

But “This year is different.

The 2016 Republican candidate is not conservative and he is not qualified.

That’s why, for the first time in our history, The Arizona Republic will support a Democrat for president.”

The newspaper, which endorsed Clinton in the state primary over Bernie Sanders, said, “The challenges the United States faces domestically and internationally demand a steady hand, a cool head and the ability to think carefully before acting.

Hillary Clinton understands this. Donald Trump does not.”

The editorial decision brought praise and criticism, including from some readers who canceled subscriptions.

Phil Boas, who manages the Republic‘s editorial page, told USA TODAY, “We’re getting a lot of reaction both locally and national. I don’t believe true readers of the editorial page are surprised by all this at all, because over the past year we have been writing scathing, scalding articles about Donald Trump.”