Sub-Par

Jeff Bezos has written this editorial-type statement defending the Washington Post's decision — which is to say, his decision (ultimately) — to not endorse in this presidential election. This is in response to many subscriptions being canceled since this was announced. He doesn't say how many it is but N.P.R. says it's over 200,000, which is a pretty substantial number. He also does not talk about how many members of his staff have resigned in protest.

He does say "I wish we had made the change earlier than we did, in a moment further from the election and the emotions around it. That was inadequate planning, and not some intentional strategy." He's right they should have made it earlier. He should have made it before (reportedly) the editorial staff had decided the paper should endorse Kamala Harris.

I was (past-tense) a Washington Post digital subscriber — for $120 a year. Interestingly, when I clicked on the link to cancel my sub the other day, I instantly got a message that offered me an almost-immediate $60 rebate on my subscription should I decide to not cancel. I suspect everyone does not see this…only those of us who have some certain number of weeks left on their current subs. In my case, it's a lot. My subscription was on auto-renewal and it renewed on September 26. I declined the offer and am curious as to whether I will soon have discounts waved in front of me to rejoin.

I have access until September 26, 2025 and otherwise, nothing has changed except that now when I go the Washington Post website, I get a message that warns me I need to renew soon or I will lose full access. Yes…in 332 days. I have ample time to decide.