The editorial board of The Philadelphia Inquirer recently penned an opinion piece urging a specific presidential candidate to withdraw from the 2024 race. The board made it clear that they were not referring to President Biden, stating, “The only person who should withdraw from the race is Trump.” They emphasized their stance by noting, “Supporters say they like Trump because he says whatever he thinks. But he mainly spews raw sewage.”
The editorial board further criticized Trump’s approach, highlighting that he “constantly tears the country down” in his efforts to build himself up. They lamented the absence of a “shining city on the hill,” painting a grim picture of the current state of affairs in America.
The centerpiece of the board’s argument revolved around the staggering number of lies—over 30,000 during his time in office, with at least 30 falsehoods uttered during a single debate. The board described the debate as “a reminder of what another four years of Trump would look like. More lies, grievance, narcissism, and hate.”
The board proceeded to dissect Trump’s first term in office, highlighting his extensive Twitter use and frequent visits to his own properties, where he reportedly played over 200 games of golf. They also pointed out his unfulfilled promises, such as the border wall with Mexico.
In addition, the board criticized Trump’s judicial appointments, noting that he primarily selected extreme judges, many of whom were white males, with some being rated as unqualified by the American Bar Association. They also highlighted the record number of fired or resigned cabinet officials, the constant chaos and infighting in the West Wing, and other shortcomings of his administration.
Further, the board addressed various controversies during Trump’s tenure, including a lucrative deal struck by his son-in-law with Saudi Arabia’s government, his impeachments, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also mentioned his recent conviction on 34 counts of fraud in New York and his involvement in three additional federal cases, including one related to an attempted overthrow of the government.
The board questioned the decision to allow Trump on the debate stage, given his track record. They acknowledged President Biden’s performance in the debate as less than stellar but emphasized his belief in the best of America and his efforts to rebuild international relationships. They unequivocally stated, “There was only one person at the debate who does not deserve to be running for president. The sooner Trump exits the stage, the better off the country will be.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial board called for Trump to withdraw from the presidential race, citing a multitude of reasons, and expressed their belief that the country would be better off without his candidacy.
