Editorial: Why we don't endorse political candidates

Endorsements are the way some organizations or individuals show their support for a candidate.

A popular governor could throw his weight behind someone running for mayor. A major union can advocate for a legislative candidate.

It’s all very familiar because of how often it happens. Frequently, endorsements can come with stump speeches and personal appearances when the name is big enough.

Pennsylvania will see plenty of it as the election clock winds down with three presidents on the campaign trail. Donald Trump will rally for his chosen Republicans — Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz and gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Doug Mastriano at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds on Saturday. Barack Obama and President Joe Biden will throw their support behind the Democrats — Lt. Gov. John Fetterman for Senate and Attorney General Josh Shapiro for governor.

That is appropriate. When a political candidate stands by another, it shows a commonality of purpose. When an organization such as a police or teachers union picks up that flag, it shows that it believes in the platform. The endorsement helps people make decisions.

But a news organization? That’s a little different, and it’s something more and more newspapers are reconsidering.

A newspaper has to cover the ups and downs, successes and mistakes of leaders and lawmakers. At a time when people are increasingly distrustful of facts, it is important to be able to maintain impartiality.

We respect that our readers have diverse viewpoints on politics. We need them to accept that our coverage does not bend based on who wins or loses an election.

The Tribune-Review has not endorsed a candidate for years and has no intention of changing that. The importance of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races in the scope of national politics makes that all the more critical.