PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Arizona Republic is endorsing a Democrat for president for the first time in 126 years.
On Tuesday, the publication took to its website to post an op-ed piece announcing its support for Hillary Clinton.
“This year it’s different,” the editorial board wrote. “The 2016 Republican candidate is no conservative and he is not qualified.”
The comprehensive op-ed piece broke down the reasons why they believe Clinton is the only qualified candidate to lead the country.
Despite the editorial board acknowledging that both presidential candidates have notable flaws, the publication concluded that Trump’s behavior has been consistently more troublesome.
“She does not casually say things that embolden our adversaries and frighten our allies,” the newspaper wrote. "Her approach to governance is mature, confident and rationale.”
In contrast, they likened Trump’s actions towards criticism to “verbal spit wads,” and even took it a step further to write, “The world expects substance. Not a blistering tweet.”
The newspaper also pointed out Trump’s lack of professionalism, including his disrespect towards people who do not agree with his beliefs and/or stance.
“Trump mocked a reporters physical handicap,” the publication wrote. “Picked a fight with a Gold Star family. Insulted POWs. Suggested a Latino judge can’t be fair because of his heritage. Proposed banning Muslim immigration.”
The newspaper said the Republican candidate's actions show that he has a “stunning lack of human decency, empathy and respect” with no knowledge of our national ideals.
The Arizona Republic isn’t the first major paper to back Clinton. In recent weeks, the Cincinnati Enquirer and Dallas Morning News also voiced their support for Clinton.
