“Excepted”: Readers on Times’ non-endorsement of president

To the editor: I was a Times staff writer for 16 years. Despite many ups and downs at the newspaper, I have remained a loyal and dedicated reader. I was disappointed when I found out that the owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong had instructed the Times editorial board to withhold support for the presidential race.

The fact that one of the candidates lives here and has long represented this state meant that withholding an endorsement would be seen as a shocking boon to former President Trump's campaign. The owner must have known this – and of course that's exactly what happened, as Trump was quick to call the decision a “humiliating blow” to Vice President Kamala Harris.

I won't cancel my subscription just because I love journalism and my local newspaper, and because I will never stop supporting the remarkable journalists at the Times.

But that was a reckless, stupid decision. The owner is now making headlines by drawing on the influence of this election and harming the state that relies on this institution and its integrity.

Scott Gold, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Kudos to your work for not supporting either candidate. Newspapers and other media outlets must be unbiased, report facts, and allow readers and viewers to make their own informed decisions.

All these subscription cancellations and tantrums are pathetic and hilarious at the same time. Do they really need you to tell them who to vote for?

It's like leaving a social media site that has offended you in some way. There's no need to transfer it – just go!

Lee Frostad, Spokane, Washington.

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To the editor: In the tense political environment our country currently finds itself in, facing the greatest threat to democracy and civil rights since the Civil War, we need the free press to fight courageously to save our democracy and our constitutional rights.

And yet, at a time like this, the owner of the LA Times has chosen to essentially sit this issue out and not provide the only reasonable support possible to the President of the United States.

With Trump threatening to make himself a “Day One Dictator,” carrying out mass deportations, using the U.S. military against people he disagrees with, and so on, this is not the time for a supposedly major newspaper to stand by to stay.

After giving up subscriptions to other newspapers because I felt they weren't meeting this moment, I turned to The Times as a possible alternative. As a Californian, I enjoyed covering more state and local news and politics.

But not anymore. I will cancel my subscription. I can hardly express how disappointed and betrayed I am by the US corporate media. You failed us when we needed you most.

Bob Green, Cupertino, California.

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To the editor: It's hard to believe that a presidential election couldn't be made when a candidate has been convicted of 34 felonies, faced civil liability for sexual abuse, and has many other charges pending.

His immature insults and vile lies against a woman of stature who treats other people with respect make the decision a no-brainer for me, and I am shocked that this is not the case for The Times.

Sue Robin, Los Angeles

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To the editor: I've been a Times subscriber for 30 years, and the cowardly decision not to support Harris means I won't make it to 31. I will cancel my subscription unless you change course.

How can one spend nearly a decade explaining to readers how and why Trump poses an existential threat to our democracy and now refuse to give full, enthusiastic support to the candidate who stands as a bulwark against fascism?

Harris may not be for everyone, but she is a good candidate who will actually protect our Constitution and work to bring us together.

Do the right thing. Support Harris or face the wrath of your readership.

Mike Blum, Sherman Oaks

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To the editor: It is completely incomprehensible that the Times did not endorse Harris for president.

Trump is a convicted felon who staged a coup to overturn a free and fair election. Harris is a California native who has worked tirelessly and honorably for this state and country for more than 30 years, and she deserves your support.

They have made a shameful decision that will force this longtime subscriber and daughter of a former reporter to leave the Times.

Jill Sanford, Los Angeles