Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, reaffirmed his decision to cease presidential endorsements, stating that he is proud of the choice he made. During a conversation at The New York Times Dealbook Summit with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Bezos emphasized the importance of the decision in the current media landscape.
Bezos acknowledged that the decision caused a political firestorm and potential damage to the Post’s business but believed it was necessary due to the erosion of trust in the media. He stressed the importance of doing the right thing despite potential negative PR implications.
Furthermore, Bezos shared his plans to revitalize The Washington Post for the future, highlighting his commitment to the publication’s success. Since acquiring the paper in 2013, Bezos has been working to improve its standing in the industry.
The decision to discontinue presidential endorsements shocked the editorial board, which had already endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Bezos argued that such endorsements create a perception of bias and non-independence, reaffirming his stance against them.
Despite concerns about conflicts of interest due to his various business ventures, Bezos expressed optimism about the future, particularly regarding regulatory reforms by President Trump. He also downplayed any potential competition concerns with Elon Musk’s companies.
In conclusion, Bezos remains hopeful about the future, citing advancements in AI, interplanetary travel, and robotics as signs of multiple golden ages in progress. He expressed gratitude for the extraordinary moment in history and the opportunities it presents.
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