Kamala Harris only ‘patriotic choice’ for President: NYT

Indian American Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris won a major endorsement with The New York Times backing the Vice President in the race for the White House over her Republican rival Donald Trump.

In an editorial published Monday, the Times said it is “hard to imagine a candidate more unworthy to serve as president of the United States than Donald Trump.”

“He has proved himself morally unfit for an office that asks its occupant to put the good of the nation above self-interest,” the newspaper wrote of the former president. “He has proved himself temperamentally unfit for a role that requires the very qualities — wisdom, honesty, empathy, courage, restraint, humility, discipline — that he most lacks.”

For these reasons, the outlet continued, Harris is “the only patriotic choice for president,” regardless of “any political disagreements voters might have with her.”

“Most presidential elections are, at their core, about two different visions of America that emerge from competing policies and principles,” the Times editorial board explained.

READ: As Nikki Haley backs Trump, many supporters favor Kamala Harris (September 27, 2024)

“This one is about something more foundational. It is about whether we invite into the highest office in the land a man who has revealed, unmistakably, that he will degrade the values, defy the norms and dismantle the institutions that have made our country strong.”

In contrast, the Times maintained Harris embodies the qualities of a dedicated public servant. “As a dedicated public servant who has demonstrated care, competence, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution, Ms. Harris stands alone in this race.”

But the newspaper also had some harsh words for Harris on her campaign strategy.

“Many voters have said they want more details about the vice president’s plans, as well as more unscripted encounters in which she explains her vision and policies,” the Times wrote.

Read the New York Times editorial endorsing Kamala Harris

“They are right to ask. Given the stakes of this election, Ms. Harris may think that she is running a campaign designed to minimize the risks of an unforced error — answering journalists’ questions and offering greater policy detail could court controversy, after all — under the belief that being the only viable alternative to Mr. Trump may be enough to bring her to victory. That strategy may ultimately prove winning, but it’s a disservice to the American people and to her own record.”

“And leaving the public with a sense that she is being shielded from tough questions, as Mr. Biden has been, could backfire by undermining her core argument that a capable new generation stands ready to take the reins of power,” the outlet added.

However, ultimately the Times, which has not endorsed a Republican since Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, gave Harris a glowing review and her opponent a searing takedown.

Most national polls show Harris and Trump separated by a narrow margin with just more than a month until Nov 5 election day.