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Kamala Harris and Tim Walz heat up campaign rally in Philadelphia
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris introduces her vice presidential candidate Tim Walz during a campaign rally in Philadelphia.
Delaware Online/The News Journal values our readers’ opinions on current news in Delaware and beyond. We regularly publish opinion pieces and letters to the editor on specific topics – Delawareans can be assured that their views are welcome in our opinion piece.
Our opinion piece is curated and edited by Ed Forbes, a veteran editor with more than 20 years in newspaper journalism. Forbes brings experience from newsrooms in New York and New Jersey and has been part of the DelawareOnline.com newsroom for more than five years.
We recently asked Forbes a series of questions about his work and his views on why community engagement — the voices of our readers across the First State — remains essential to our journalism.
Question: With the 2024 election approaching, what role do you think newspaper opinion coverage plays in engaging and informing Delaware voters?
Answer: Our journalism is absolutely essential. We report daily on news that impacts the work of Delaware’s elected officials in Dover and Washington, DC. We continue to take our role as Delaware’s overseer seriously. And on our opinion pages, we welcome voices from all perspectives sharing their views on current politics – whether local, important to all of Delaware, or national. Being the hometown newspaper of the President of the United States is also a responsibility we take seriously, and we have worked hard to publish a variety of perspectives on the Biden administration and its policies during the President’s term. We will continue to do so during the campaign – now, of course, the Harris-Waltz campaign – and the election.
It’s been an exciting, historic summer for political news so far. As the leader of our opinion coverage, how difficult is it for you to stay on top of and respond to so much change?
I spend most of my day covering the election locally, regionally and nationally. I typically read the morning reports from national newspapers as early as 6 a.m. and am kept up to date throughout the day and evening with what we and other media are publishing. I am also in close contact with a variety of sources, colleagues and friends who work in state capitals, mayoral offices, campaign teams, Congress and the White House. Election years are particularly intense and 2024 has proven to be a year like no other. The evolution of the presidential campaign and its impact on lower ballot elections will continue to play out in the days and weeks ahead.
As an experienced newspaper journalist who has witnessed so many changes in our industry, is there anything you would particularly like to tell younger people about the role of local newspapers in the democratic process?
Simply put, we still matter. Journalism still matters. I’ve been very encouraged by the interest young readers have shown in our work over the past few years. And it’s also encouraging to see so many young people continuing to pursue journalism in their higher education and careers. As many Gen Z voters prepare for their first major general election, we’re working hard to amplify their voices – especially in the presidential race. And we always want to hear from more young voters. Get in touch.
Our country is divided on many important issues, and we certainly see divisions on many issues affecting Delaware. How has that influenced your approach to your mission?
We adhere to high journalistic standards based solely on fact-based reporting. We recognise that opinions in politics vary widely – and welcome views from all sides – but when it comes to facts, we are unequivocal.
What do you believe are the core issues facing Delaware voters this election cycle, particularly at the state and local levels?
Delawareans are concerned with a number of issues. For many voters, reproductive rights and women’s rights are critical. Investments in education and healthcare are also priorities for many of our readers. Tax cuts remain a perennial important issue. Finding a smarter way for the country to handle immigration is important. Public safety is important – as is police reform. And of course, the economy is a big concern for many of our readers – concerns about inflation and job growth are ever-present.
We read a lot about groups across the country trying to “bridge the divide,” encourage dialogue, and find common ground in the face of so many divisions. As you communicate with so many community members, do you sense a yearning for that in Delaware?
Absolutely. Yes, Delaware likes compromise — especially when it leads to progress. Our readers want lawmakers to intelligently debate the policy issues — and then take action. A compromise in the middle — moderation — remains a very appealing concept when I speak with our readers.
The new school year is just around the corner. What topics do you think will be the most important this year?
As a father of three daughters – one in middle school, one in second grade, and another in kindergarten – student safety is something I’m particularly concerned about. Of course, it’s a broad issue that also includes gun control and access to social media. Both of these concerns for our children have my attention – and the attention of most parents I speak to, regardless of their political affiliation. There are particular concerns about when it’s appropriate for kids to have their own smart devices. I think the local and national discussions about phones and social media are really just beginning.
The Bidens have long put Delaware in the national spotlight. Do you think the state will go through a bit of an identity crisis when Joe Biden leaves politics?
Frankly, no. I believe Delaware will welcome the president’s return. I believe we will celebrate his decades-long tenure. But the baton has really been passed now – from the baby boomers to the next generation of political leaders. I believe Delaware, like much of the country, is ready for a new perspective from both sides of the aisle. There are some really great rising stars in both political parties that we should all be watching with interest. That being said, we should also be grateful for the impact the president has had here – his impact on Delaware is likely indelible.
Your job isn’t easy. What do you like to do when you have time for yourself?
I walk at least three miles every day. In the winter, I try to ski as often as possible – both Nordic and Alpine. I spend a lot of time with my three daughters, encouraging their interests in cooking, baking, tennis, swimming, skiing, and more. I enjoy cooking and discovering new restaurants. We spend a lot of time with the kids on road trips that take us throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. And I also enjoy mixing cocktails and listening to everything from jam bands to jazz standards.
Do you have any favorite books or podcasts at the moment?
I just started North Woods by Daniel Mason and have been rediscovering some old favorites this summer – stories by John Cheever and some novels by John Updike. I’m a huge fan of NPR’s Throughlines and with football season just around the corner, I’m starting to devour Buffalo Bills coverage on all platforms.
