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For the first time in its 161 year history, The Chicago Tribune endorsed the democratic party's nominee for president this week. The Los Angeles Times, after 36 years of endorsing no one, also endorsed Obama. But do such announcements really have an impact? Editor&Publisher editor Greg Mitchell argues that they do.
I have a hard time believing endorsements matter, especially newspaper endorsements. Mark Shields talks about how the higher the office, the less endorsements matter. If the newspaper tells me to vote for Joe the Dogcatcher, sure I will do that since I know nothing about him or that race. But president? I have seen these guys for 2 years now so thanks for the advice, newspaper, now I will make my decision.
Greg points to his own methodology in the previous election showing that newpaper endorsements matter, but I would prefer something less anecdotal before I can believe it. (Even though my example with the dogcather was anecdotal as well.)
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