The Columbus Dispatch and Cleveland Plain Dealer both joined the Cincinnati Enquirer in bucking tradition today, by endorsing the Democratic candidate for president, Hillary Clinton. This is the first time in 100 years that the Dispatch has endorsed a Democrat for president and nearly a century for the Enquirer as well. The Plain Dealer has endorsed five democrats and 14 Republicans since 1936, including Obama in 2012.

The Plain Dealer’s main message today today was a simple one — that they’re standing behind LeBron’s support of Clinton last week:

“We say, quite simply, we agree with LeBron James’ choice of Hillary Clinton. This decision is anything but simple, however. It is, perhaps, the weightiest decision American voters will make in this lifetime. In a rare moment of accord, the 10 members of the Editorial Board of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com are unanimous is declaring that Donald Trump is dangerously unfit to lead this great nation.”

Today’s Dispatch endorsement offered reluctant support for Clinton:

“For us, the choice between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is not pleasant, but it isn’t difficult. Republican candidate Donald Trump is unfit to be president of the United States. Democrat Hillary Clinton, despite her flaws, is well-equipped for the job.”

The Enquirer issued their editorial board endorsement several weeks earlier:

“The Enquirer has supported Republicans for president for almost a century – a tradition this editorial board doesn’t take lightly. But this is not a traditional race, and these are not traditional times. Our country needs calm, thoughtful leadership to deal with the challenges we face at home and abroad. We need a leader who will bring out the best in all Americans, not the worst. That’s why there is only one choice when we elect a president in November: Hillary Clinton.”

Elsewhere in the state, endorsements have yet to be released by the Toledo Blade, Dayton Daily News or Canton Repository. The Akron Beacon Journal also endorsed Clinton on September 24th.

Across the country, major newspapers have all either supported Clinton or Libertarian Candidate Gary Johnson. To date, no major newspaper has endorsed Trump, which the San Francisco gate pointed out last week, is a historic first in American history.

Columbus Underground does not endorse political candidates or ballot issues. Our mission is to provide as much factual information as possible to our readers, as well as informed opinion pieces from knowledgable experts and community members, and allow our readers to make educated choices when casting their votes.

The second presidential debate will be broadcast tonight at 9pm, and can be streamed online, here: