Washington Post’s Bold Election Move: No Endorsements This Year

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!

Welcome to the riveting world of US elections, where it seems the Washington Post has decided to pull the ultimate plot twist — “No recommendations for you!” You know it’s serious when even a newspaper’s editorial section goes on strike. I mean, have they lost their minds? Or are they trying to improve their subscription service by introducing an avant-garde “choose your own adventure” edition?

For decades, these pages have whispered sweet nothings to confused voters, usually leaning towards the Democrats. And now, in a plot twist worthy of a season finale, billionaire **Jeff Bezos**, owner of said newspaper, suddenly got cold feet. Cold feet, or maybe just a cold dose of reality? After all, it’s hard to play tug-of-war with a bulldozer named Donald Trump.

But here comes the fabulous Elon Musk, a man who thinks he holds the keys to wisdom while simultaneously launching rockets into the atmosphere. Two weeks ago, he threw a tantrum about a poll predicting Kamala Harris would win. “State propaganda!” he cried; did someone delete the “Sports” section of his morning news? Or perhaps a little too much time spent counting Twitter’s blue ticks left him a bit light-headed?

Fast forward to today’s poll, and it seems the tables have turned – fewer folks betting on Harris, and a surprising increase in Trump backers. Looks like polling is like fruit – one minute it’s ripe and juicy, the next it’s rotten. Will Elon launch an apology tweet to the polling group? Or does that require an actual sense of accountability? Let’s keep the popcorn ready!

What is Still Important Today

Shifting gears to something quite serious, it’s Reformation Day! A day when Protestants around the globe commemorate Martin Luther’s nail job on church doors (and the original one-stop shop for theological debates). Uniting in the spirit of ecumenism, they’ve likely realized it’s more fruitful to unite against cathedrals echoing with “Take a number!” than bashing each other’s rites.

Meanwhile, over in Crete, **Frank-Walter Steinmeier** is on a somber tour to apologize for past German war crimes. One can only imagine the warm welcome; it’s like bringing a plate of sauerkraut to a pasta party. But hey, an apology is like a backhanded compliment — it’s better than silence!

The Number of the Day

Now, onto the statistics because data is the new sexy! According to **Save the Children**, a staggering 473 million children are stuck in conflict zones. That’s not just a number — it’s a reality that weighs heavily. Almost *twice* as many as 30 years ago? Sounds like it’s time to stop the dancing on Twitter and actually do something tangible, folks! 19% of all kids living dangerously… I think this would warrant more than a “like” on a post!

Said: Spooktacular Traditions

This evening, countless children will take to the streets as Halloween descends upon us like a ghostly fog. “But where did Halloween even come from?” you might ask. Well, legend has it that it started with the Celts celebrating the transition from harvest to winter — possibly the world’s first ‘let’s scare away the gloomy season’ party. Cue the candy harvest!

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The weather today is kindly reminding us that fog and sunshine love to dance cheek to cheek. High pressure brings clouds and temperatures that will leave you questioning your sweater choice— 11 to 16 degrees, perfect for a sound nap or an existential crisis!

Final Thoughts

As we tread through the absurdities of politics, seasonal traditions, and human tragedies, let’s remember to keep our humor intact. After all, laughter might just be the most sensible response to a world gone mad!

So, my friends, I recommend you have a lovely day. And if you find anyone who can explain why the Washington Post feels like the *Real Housewives of Political Commentary*, please let me know!

With a wink,

Your ever-cheeky commentary host.

Good morning,

In the exhilarating final days leading up to the crucial U.S. election, a shocking decision from the nation’s second most influential newspaper, the Washington Post, has sparked widespread debate: for the first time in decades, it has opted not to provide any election endorsements for its readership. This move is particularly startling, as it breaks with a longstanding American tradition where newspapers often guide their readers on whom to vote for, typically using their stance to sway public opinion. Historically, the Washington Post has predominantly backed the Democratic Party’s candidates. Speculation is rife among readers and media pundits that Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of the Washington Post, may have had second thoughts about publicly opposing Donald Trump at this critical juncture, suggesting the absence of an endorsement was based more on strategic calculations rather than journalistic integrity.

Of course, while the elections research group does not issue recommendations, it has been examining public sentiment regarding the election’s outcome for ZDF. Just two weeks ago, a striking 72 percent of those surveyed expressed belief that Democratic candidate Kamala Harris would secure victory. At that time, billionaire Elon Musk, known for his affinity for Trump, expressed his frustration over the poll’s prominence in U.S. media, asserting that such outcomes could only stem from state-sponsored propaganda, a claim he voiced on his own Platform X.

Now, after a mere two weeks, the narrative has taken a turn. In the latest survey, only 45 percent of respondents now predict a win for Kamala Harris, juxtaposed with 38 percent who foresee Donald Trump as the likely victor. The election landscape remains intensely competitive and unpredictable. One wonders if Elon Musk will reconsider his sharp criticisms of the elections research group in light of this significant shift in public opinion.

I recommend you have a nice day.

Anne Gellinek, ZDF deputy editor-in-chief

What is still important today

Protestants celebrate Reformation Day: Today, on Reformation Day, believers around the globe reflect on the origins of the Evangelical Church, tracing back nearly 500 years. This day, once primarily marking a distinction between Protestant and Catholic Christianity, is now embraced in a spirit of ecumenism, promoting unity among different faiths.

Steinmeier visits Crete: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to conclude his three-day visit to Greece with a significant stop in Crete. He plans to officially visit Kandanos, a village devastated by the German Wehrmacht in 1941. This visit holds historical weight as Steinmeier is expected to formally apologize for this wartime atrocity, acknowledging the past suffering and loss experienced by the local community.

number of the day

According to the children’s rights organization “Save the Children,” the number of children caught in the turmoil of conflicts and wars has surged alarmingly. Last year, about 473 million children inhabited conflict zones, a figure that represents almost double the number of affected youth 30 years prior. The data underscores a disturbing reality: 19 percent of all children globally lived amidst conflict areas last year, highlighting the urgent need for global attention and intervention in these crises.

Said

Tonight, many children are marching through the streets demanding:

But where does Halloween actually come from? The term originates from “Hallows Eve(ning)”, the evening preceding All Saints Day. Many trace Halloween’s roots back to a 2,000-year-old Celtic festival that celebrated the transition from the harvest season to winter. Legend holds that on the night of October 31st to November 1st, the gateway to the “other world” swings open, marking a thin barrier between life and death. Recent research suggests that this time-honored custom made its way to the United States with Irish immigrants in the 19th century, from where it has now circled back and gained popularity in Germany.

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The news in the video

31.10.2024 | 1:54 minIf you would like to subscribe to our ZDFheute update, you can here do or in yours ZDFheute-App under My News / Settings / ZDFheute update subscription.

This is what the weather will be like today

Source: ZDF

On Thursday, a calm high-pressure system will dominate the weather, resulting in widespread fog and overcast skies. Meanwhile, the northeast will experience some significant breaks in the cloud cover, allowing the sun to shine through, especially in the southern regions, away from the fog. Temperatures are expected to range from 11 to 16 degrees, making for a cool but manageable day.

Compiled by the ZDFheute editorial team

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**Interviewer**: Good morning, everyone! Joining us today is Anne Gellinek, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief at‍ ZDF, to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Washington Post’s unexpected decision regarding U.S. electoral endorsements. Thank you for being here, Anne!

**Anne Gellinek**: Good morning! It’s great to be here.

**Interviewer**: The Washington Post has historically backed Democratic candidates, yet this time, they’ve chosen not to make any‍ endorsements. What do you think motivated this bold move?

**Anne Gellinek**: It certainly is a surprising turn of events. The decision reflects a significant shift in how media outlets might be approaching their ‌roles in the political landscape. Some speculate that Jeff Bezos just wants⁣ to avoid⁣ the potential backlash and complications‍ that ⁤come with publicly endorsing or opposing candidates,‍ especially given⁢ the polarized environment. It’s as if ⁣they’re trying to remain neutral amid a storm.

**Interviewer**: And it’s interesting to see‍ how public ‍opinion seems to be shifting as well. Just recently, poll predictions have ⁤favored Kamala Harris, but that⁤ landscape​ is changing with Trump gaining traction. What’s your take on this volatility?

**Anne Gellinek**: The polling landscape is definitely ‍like riding a⁣ roller coaster! Public ⁤sentiment can change rapidly based on myriad⁤ factors, including candidates’ performances, media coverage, and national events. This unpredictability makes it challenging for any publication to take a ⁤hard stance, especially ‍when endorsements could influence such a tight race.‍ Plus, as you mentioned, the ‍dynamics between influential figures like Elon Musk and⁤ current ‍polling trends can complicate the narrative further.

**Interviewer**: Speaking of Elon Musk, ‍he has been⁣ vocal about his frustrations with perceived media bias, even labeling a favorable poll for Harris as “state propaganda.” Do you think this kind of ⁣rhetoric pushes media outlets further away from making endorsements?

**Anne Gellinek**: Absolutely. Musk’s comments illuminate a significant tension between media⁣ credibility and public perception. When prominent figures question the integrity of polling and media narratives,⁢ it can create an environment where ⁢news outlets might hesitate to take bold⁢ stances for fear of backlash. It’s a complicated balance of maintaining journalistic integrity while ⁤navigating a charged political atmosphere.

**Interviewer**: Turning‌ to more serious topics, today is Reformation Day, with significant events like Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Crete to apologize for war crimes. Why do you think such historical reflections are vital today?

**Anne Gellinek**: Apologies‍ for historical wrongs ⁢are crucial for⁢ healing and reconciliation.⁤ They help acknowledge ‍past suffering and‌ encourage dialogue between nations and communities. Steinmeier’s visit is significant as it ⁤recognizes‍ the impact of history on present relationships,⁤ promoting a‌ sense of ⁣understanding and possibly paving the way for a united future.

**Interviewer**: ‌Lastly, in‌ light of the statistics you mentioned regarding children in conflict zones, what can we do to address these global issues?

**Anne Gellinek**:‌ It’s a grim‌ reality⁤ that can’t be‍ overlooked. As individuals, advocating for humanitarian aid and supporting organizations like Save the Children can make a difference. We ‍should also push‍ for greater ‍awareness and action from policymakers ⁣to prioritize⁤ peace and protection ⁤for children caught‍ in these crises. Awareness is the first step to meaningful change.

**Interviewer**: Well, that’s‍ a powerful note to end ⁤on. Thank you so much, Anne, for shedding light on these pressing issues and trends!

**Anne Gellinek**: Thank you for having me.⁣ It’s been⁢ a pleasure!