It’s a controversy that continues to grow. Friday, the Washington Postowned by Jeff Bezos since 2013, and one of the most prestigious American media outlets, has decided not to support any candidate during the American presidential election on November 5. This choice of neutrality was very poorly accepted by his readers, often Democrats, who criticize him for lacking courage while the destiny of the United States is at stake in a few days.
A choice that costs the Washington Post dearly
The decision was not made by the journalists or the heads of the newspaper, but by Jeff Bezos himself. Enough to reinforce the criticism and lead to the departure of 200,000 subscribers who launched a call for a boycott, or 8% of the 2.5 million customers. Prominent personalities such as Stephen King and Mark Hamill have, for example, announced that they have canceled their contracts.
The founder of Amazon finally took up his pen this Monday and spoke out from an editorial to defend themselves. He immediately recognizes the storm created by his decision:
I wish we had made this change sooner than we did, at a time further removed from the election and the emotions surrounding it. This was inadequate planning, not intentional strategy.
While some accuse him of wanting to protect the interests of his company Blue Origin in the event of Donald Trump coming to power, the leader defends himself:
I sighed when I learned about it, because I knew it would provide ammunition to those who wanted to present this as anything other than a decision of principle.
Subsequently, he cites the following example to justify his choice:
No undecided voter in Pennsylvania will say, “I’m going with the support of Newspaper A.” None. What presidential endorsements actually do is create a perception of bias. A feeling of non-independence. Ending it is a decision of principle, and it is the right one.
Neutrality is also a choice
He concludes, reaffirming his commitment: “Criticism will be an integral part of anything new, of course. This is the way the world is. None of this will be easy, but it will be worth it. I am very grateful to be part of this adventure”.
Jeff Bezos’ point of view can be understood, but also refuted. Some may indeed respond that in certain historical periods, a lack of decision and displayed neutrality on the part of a media known for its democratic commitment is in reality the choice of the worst.
