The Las Vegas Review-Journal has endorsed former President Donald Trump for the upcoming November election, emphasizing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of key issues such as inflation, the border crisis, and the perceived inconsistencies in Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies. In an opinion piece, the publication described the recent tumultuous political landscape, characterizing it as a “hurricane of history” that has unsettled voters and left political norms in disarray. They argue that despite the controversies surrounding Trump, particularly his conduct around the January 6 riot, the pressing national issues warrant a serious consideration of his candidacy.
In outlining the political chaos, the Review-Journal highlighted recent events, including failed assassination attempts on Trump, his high-profile legal troubles in New York, and pivotal debates that ultimately led President Biden to step down from the race, paving the way for Harris to become the Democratic nominee. The publication criticized this turn of events, describing Harris’s rapid transformation from a struggling candidate in 2020 to a symbol of hope, likening her to historical figures like Lincoln and Gandhi, despite her past as a progressive politician with controversial viewpoints. This juxtaposition paints Harris as a candidate trying to distance herself from her previous stances, which the Review-Journal argues reveals a lack of genuine conviction in her current campaign.
The article also details Harris’s changing opinions on significant topics such as law enforcement, energy policy, and the Senate filibuster. The Review-Journal expressed skepticism about her ability to handle unscripted interactions, pointing out that she largely avoids tough questions. While acknowledging Trump’s problematic approach after the January 6 insurrection, the publication believes that potential undecided voters should assess his complete record as president against the Biden-Harris administration’s performance.
During Trump’s presidency, the Review-Journal argued, the nation experienced relative stability and economic health, with low inflation and a secure border. In contrast, they pointed to the alarming rise in national debt and rampant inflation under Biden, which reportedly reached nine percent, in addition to housing costs skyrocketing—issues that resonate particularly within the Las Vegas community. The editorial highlighted the failure of current leadership to manage the southern border effectively and the resulting influx of undocumented immigrants, which caused significant challenges for local and municipal governance in predominantly Democratic areas.
The endorsement also elucidated the personal and financial connections between the Review-Journal’s ownership and Trump. The publication’s owner, Miriam Adelson, is the widow of Sheldon Adelson, a prominent casino magnate and a major Trump supporter during his presidency. This relationship adds a layer of complexity to the endorsement, as it suggests potential financial interests tied to Trump’s policies. However, the Review-Journal emphasized that the decision stems primarily from an analysis of political performances rather than personal allegiance.
In conclusion, the Review-Journal acknowledged the general dissatisfaction many voters feel as they approach the November election, but maintained that when comparing policy outcomes from Trump’s tenure to those of Biden and Harris, the advantages of Trump’s presidency become clear. By framing Trump as the preferable option based on his track record, the publication invites voters to seriously consider the implications of their choice, asserting that the issues at hand are too pressing to ignore. In this turbulent political climate, the Review-Journal argues that Trump’s four years in office offer a better path forward than the current administration has demonstrated.