Detroit paper backs Gary Johnson after 143 years of endorsing Republicans

[major debacle]

For one reason: Donald J. Trump

After an awkward gaffe during an MSNBC townhall event Wednesday, Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson has received some good news from Michigan. The Detroit News on Thursday gave Johnson its endorsement for president, a big break from 143 years of backing only Republican candidates.

"Since its founding in 1873," the editorial board explained, the paper "has backed a Republican every time it has made a presidential endorsement." But in 2016, "we abandon that long and estimable tradition this year for one reason: Donald J. Trump."

[metroins]

1. I hate to say it

Trump is better than Johnson.

More than helping Johnson, this hurts the paper.

The only rational choice is Hillary.

[greyl]

2. Still stupid, after all those years. nt

[oberliner]

3. Endorsing Johnson is more embarrassing than endorsing Trump

Or at least equal.

[major debacle]

4. The point, as I see it, is not that it endorsed Johnson

... but that it did not endorse Trump.