Variety endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, making it the first time in the entertainment trade publication’s 111-year history that it has picked a side in a national election.
The leaders of the entertainment magazine and website said the company decided to endorse for the same reason as the Atlantic, which also endorsed Clinton.
“The editors-in-chief and our publisher, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, feel strongly that we should buck tradition and take a public stance on this historic election … we didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and come down on the wrong side of history,” the company’s editorial states.
“There are a number of other motivating factors behind our decision. We believe that Clinton is not only the best candidate for the job, but the only candidate. As many endorsements have noted, she has the experience and temperament necessary to make a truly effective president,” Variety writes. “In fact, it’s hard to think of any presidential candidate with the depth of knowledge and public-service record she has.”
The editorial cites Clinton’s decades of history in politics before knocking her opponent, Republican nominee Donald Trump. The billionaire businessman is taken to task for his comments to Fox News host Megyn Kelly, accusations he groped or sexually harassed 11 women, his inability to “be a moral leader who could inspire change,” and his frustration with the media and its right to freedom of speech.
“Let’s talk about another disconcerting issue that has cropped up during Trump’s campaign that is essential to the way the media business functions — his treatment of the First Amendment,” Variety writes. “Trump has intimidated reporters and made multiple threats to sue outlets for stories he despises — a tactic in keeping with his litigious past, but highly unusual for a candidate.”
The publication said Clinton has “remained dignified and focused” throughout this “prolonged election circus dominated by an egomaniacal ringmaster,” further indicating she is the right person to lead America.
