"What does it mean to be a Republican?" That's the question Tuesday's Dallas Morning News Editorial Page asked readers.
"For generations, the answer had been clear: A belief in individual liberty. Free markets. Strong national defense," the editorial reads. "But what does it mean to be a Republican today? With Donald Trump as the party's new standard-bearer, it's impossible to say."
"This newspaper is hardly a liberal bastion," said The Dallas Morning News Vice President and Editorial Page Editor Keven Willey, explaining why the newspaper that has endorsed every Republican Presidential Candidate since 1964 will not endorse Donald Trump.
"In this election we have a candidate, both by manner of policy and manner of temperament, just doesn't seem to be Presidential material," Willey said.
The editorial isn't just a non-endorsement. It's a scathing criticism of Trump.
"We have no interest in a Republican nominee for whom all principles are negotiable," the editorial goes on to say. "Nor in a Republican Party that is willing to trade away principle for pursuit of an electoral victory."
"Nothing surprises me about this campaign season," said SMU Journalism Department Chair Tony Pederson. "There was a time when newspaper endorsements were really major. I think it's less so these days."
"Because it's so unusual, I think it carries some weight," said Willey. In 1964 The Dallas Morning News did not endorse Republican nominee Barry Goldwater, or any candidate. The circumstances this year, we believe, merit that decision," Willey explained.
The Dallas Morning News plans to publish a part two of its editorial Wednesday. On Tuesday, the paper did not give any hints whether it would be endorsing another candidate.
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