Joe Kahn’s interview
Uncomfortable Math: It seems The NYT’s top editor, Joe Kahn, would rather not solve the math equation before him, likely because the answer is an uncomfortable one. But the equation is, actually, fairly easy to solve. The NYT has publicly stated over the years that it supports the bedrock principles of American democracy and is opposed to authoritarianism. And, over the last several months, its reporters have indicated that Donald Trump, if elected, would rule with a blatant disregard for democratic norms, akin to an authoritarian. Which means, if one does the math, that The NYT as an institution should by default oppose what Trump’s candidacy embodies. Sure, it’s an uncomfortable answer to grapple with, but it’s as easy to solve as 2 + 2. However, instead of wrestling with the thorny issue, which speaks to the unprecedented nature of the 2024 race and the high stakes it presents, Kahn set up a straw man and largely declined to address the matter in a softball Q&A published Sunday by Semafor’s Ben Smith.
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