Hillary Clinton backed by Variety; first endorsement in magazine’s 111-year history

Entertainment trade magazine Variety published their endorsement of Hillary Clinton with just one week remaining in the presidential election campaign, saying it “didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and come down on the wrong side of history.”

Noting that it was a historic first for the 111-year-old publication, co-editors-in-chief Claudia Eller and Andrew Wallenstein explained Tuesday why they felt compelled to break with longstanding tradition and wade into political waters.

“We believe that Clinton is not only the best candidate for the job, but the only candidate,” they said. “As many endorsements have noted, she has the experience and temperament necessary to make a truly effective president. In fact, it’s hard to think of any presidential candidate with the depth of knowledge and public-service record she has.”

The editors cheered Mrs. Clinton having devoted “her entire life” to “social-justice” activism and pursuing the interests of “the LGBTQ community,” among others. 

“She has taken on such crucial issues as climate change, racial injustice, and the epidemic of gun violence,” Variety wrote. “She’s not “nasty” — she’s tough and unafraid to smash barriers, whether it was negotiating strict sanctions against Iran, or brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. She’s a global diplomat who has traveled extensively to forge ties with foreign leaders.”

The magazine also took time to blast Mrs. Clinton’s Republican rival Donald Trump, saying he “has a long history of disrespect for and objectification of women” and calling into question the New York real-estate developer’s respect for the First Amendment rights of the news media.

In closing, Variety argued that the nation was ready for — and America’s women deserve — Mrs. Clinton as the first woman to occupy the Oval Office.

“The time has come to elect our first female president,” Variety said. “Women, young and old, are ready to have someone in the highest office who will protect their rights, champion their causes, and serve as a role model for this and future generations.

“We are proud to endorse Hillary Clinton as president and put an end to a prolonged election circus dominated by an egomaniacal ringmaster,” the magazine said. “Through it all, she has remained dignified and focused on the issues. We believe she will lead America forward with great vigor and success.”