Washington Post Editorial Board Endorses Biden: He Is ‘Exceptionally Well-Qualified’

The Washington Post’s editorial board is throwing its support behind Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden,

In an op-ed on Monday, Post’s editorial board endorsed Biden, who the paper said is running against the “worst president of modern times.”

The op-ed went on to note that Americans may be willing to “vote for almost anybody,” however, with Biden as the nominee, the paper said, “Voters do not have to lower their standards.”

The op-ed described Biden as “exceptionally well-qualified, by character and experience” to handle the challenges facing the country.

First and foremost, the Post focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the U.S. has the highest death toll from the virus than any other country. 

The op-ed also said Biden is “deeply empathetic” and would bring “religious faith” and “faith in American values and potential” to the Oval Office. 

The editorial board continued, “A president also needs toughness, governing experience, and good judgment. Does Mr. Biden have what it takes? “

Then it recounted Biden’s comeback in the Democratic presidential primary, and noted that he faced more than 20 contenders, a fundraising deficit, and was counted out by many pundits.

The op-ed then turned to Biden’s selection process for his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), which it said was “free of leaks and unnecessary drama.”

“He chose as partner the woman who, after the fact, almost everyone agreed was the most qualified, Sen. Kamala D. Harris of California. In setting aside her stinging attacks on him during the primary contest, Mr. Biden showed that he will govern based on merit, not grudge,” it added.

Additionally, the editorial board said Biden would stand up to China and position the U.S. as a “capitalist competitor,” work to make the country carbon-neutral, implement a “reform-minded criminal justice agenda for today’s world,” and “rebuild long-standing U.S. alliances and the global leadership.”

“Democracy is at risk, at home and around the world. The nation desperately needs a president who will respect its public servants; stand up for the rule of law; acknowledge Congress’s constitutional role; and work for the public good, not his private benefit.”

Finally, the op-ed said, “Just as desperately, it needs a president with the know-how and experience to show that values and results can go together. It is fortunate to have, in Joe Biden, a candidate who can lead an administration that is both honorable and successful.”

The Post’s endorsement comes a day before the first presidential debate between Trump and Biden, and as polls show the former vice president has maintained a steady lead in the race.