Historically Republican Cincinnati Enquirer Endorses Hillary Clinton

CINCINNATI, OH — The Cincinnati Enquirer's traditionally Republican-leaning editorial board has endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president. She is the first Democrat to receive the paper's endorsement since Woodrow Wilson in 1916.

In an article posted today on the paper's website, the Enquirer's editorial board says these are not traditional times and this is not a traditional election, which is why it is endorsing Clinton.

"Our country needs calm, thoughtful leadership to deal with the challenges we face at home and abroad. We need a leader who will bring out the best in all Americans, not the worst," the board said.

The paper describes Clinton as a known commodity with a proven track record. It notes her time as secretary of state, saying she displayed far greater diplomatic skills then she usually gets credit for. The Enquirer also highlights her time as a senator from New York, fighting for 9/11 first-responders to get the health care they deserve. The paper then highlights her efforts in lobbying for more expansive rights for women and children.

Then the Enquirer explains why it could not endorse Donald Trump.

Trump is a clear and present danger to our country. He has no history of governance that should engender any confidence from voters. Trump has no foreign policy experience, and the fact that he doesn't recognize it – instead insisting that, "I know more about ISIS than the generals do" – is even more troubling. His wild threats to blow Iranian ships out of the water if they make rude gestures at U.S. ships is just the type of reckless, cowboy diplomacy Americans should fear from a Trump presidency. Clinton has been criticized for being overly cautious when it comes to sending our troops into battle, but there is a measured way to react to the world's problems. Do we really want someone in charge of our military and nuclear codes who has an impulse control problem? The fact that so many top military and national security officials are not supporting Trump speaks volumes.

In a separate post, the Enquirer's Editor and Vice President of Audience Engagement Peter Bhatia says that the editorial board has no use for extreme ideologies from either side of the aisle and still believes in the importance of editorial endorsements. He says that the paper's editorial board is now populated by individuals that are moderate and would prefer government officials be more careful with taxpayer money and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of party.

Image via Rick Uldricks, Patch