The American endorses…

Donald Trump is a man without any redeeming qualities. His lack of character, empathy, intellectual depth and competence make him unfit to be trusted with a puppy or small child, let alone lead a country of 330 million people. He is a convicted felon, insurrectionist, tax dodger, sexual harasser, racist, and serial liar. Trump is a genuine threat to the nation and Black America in particular. Trump has told us over and over who he is, and we should believe him.

But we are not a people without hope or choices. The St. Louis American has written that Kamala Harris is representative of an emerging America struggling to be born when she accepted the Democratic nomination for Vice President and again when she accepted the nomination for President. When President Biden laid down the burden of the Presidency, the immediate question became, who will we send, who will go for us? Kamala Harris said send me. 

If voters pass Proposition A, the minimum wage would be raised gradually for a third of all Missouri workers, and paid sick leave would be required as it is in 18 other states and Washington, D.C

From that day to this moment, she has been better than good, she and her campaign have been nearly flawless. She has campaigned with an energy and enthusiasm that has lifted the spirits of a downtrodden nation. She’s bridged the political chasm that otherwise divides Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Liz Chaney, and messages, “Come let us reason together at the table where all are welcome.” 

When you vote for president, you’re doing more than choosing between varied public policies, you’re electing a leader. Public policies will come and go, but there are immutable qualities that are required before you permit anyone to wear the mantle of leadership. Character and intelligence immediately come to mind, but there are two others that separate great leaders from good leaders, basic decency and toughness. The ability of a leader to intuitively connect with and understand the experiences of others is a rare quality; she’s already exhibited this gift countless times during this campaign. Toughness to manage complexity, to trust your counsel and make hard calls. Her inherent qualities, these difficult times and this transformational moment are formula for greatness. 

The St. Louis American unequivocally and proudly endorses VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS as the 47th President of the United States. 

Lucas Kunce, US Senate  

Some of greatest figures in American history have been members of the US Senate, also some of the worst. Josh Hawley is clearly in the latter group. There is nothing about his tenure to recommend his re-election. LUCAS KUNCE, who pledges to codify Roe v. Wade to end Missouri’s harsh abortion law, is the clear choice. 

Wesley Bell, 1st Congressional District

There is little question that Wesley Bell will be elected as the next Congressman from the First District. Given the political acumen and temperament shown in one and half terms as St. Louis County prosecutor, we have no doubt he will fit comfortably into Washington’s political culture and will be an effective congressman – a better fit for him than his current position. But the American has an additional aspiration for Wesley Bell. Our hope is he will decide to be more than a congressman and use his office and political skill as Congressman William L. (Bill) Clay did for 38 years, providing desperately needed political leadership for a fragmented, directionless community and become the voice for those who are never heard. The American endorses WESLEY BELL for Congress in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

Ray Hartmann, 2nd Congressional District

Ray Hartmann first entered the public arena as a speechwriter for then Gov. Kit Bond. He went on to a distinguished career as an outspoken editor, publisher and political commentator, providing informed and insightful commentary. In these roles the American has found him to almost always be on the side of the public interest. His hopes to unseat a six-term Republican lie with his strong advocacy for reproductive freedom. We strongly endorse RAY HARTMANN for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District.

Crystal Quade, Governor 

The American has great admiration for Crystal Quade’s willingness to serve under the most austere conditions. First as Democratic Minority Leader in the Missouri House of Representatives and now as the Democratic nominee for Governor. Her performance in both roles has earned our appreciation and support as the Missouri Democratic Party seeks to have a voice and regain relevance in this state. The American admires and endorses CRYSTAL QUADE for governor. 

Elad Gross, Attorney General

There must be some special low bar for Republican Attorney Generals in Missouri and around the country. When you thought it couldn’t be worse than Josh Hawley, Gov. Mike Parson appointed Andrew Bailey to replace him. Bailey has become another star in the Republican State Attorneys Generals circus act doing everything possible to elect authoritarian AGs across the nation. The American endorses ELAD GROSS for Attorney General.

Amendment 2  

The American recommends a NO vote on Amendment 2. Not because we’re against sports gambling but because we are against campaigns that mislead or misrepresent the public benefit to win voter approval. There will be no multimillion-dollar benefit for education if this passes, but out-of-state gaming companies will make a lot of money. 

Amendment 3  

Amendment 3 will establish a woman’s right to choose her reproductive health options as a constitutional right in Missouri. This is an opportunity to overturn one of the country’s strictest abortion bans with no exceptions for rape or incest. This in itself is enough to merit our support. We believe it’s important for another reason, it establishes a woman’s right to her bodily autonomy as a constitutional right. Every human being has the inherent right to their bodily autonomy. The elected officials who are against Amendment 3, and they’re mostly men, would also be the men who would repeal the 13th Amendment. Bodily autonomy is an inherent human right, everyone has it or no one has it. The St. Louis American is strongly YES on Amendment 3. 

Amendment 6

We recommend a NO vote on this proposal to use court fees for a sheriff’s retirement fund. 

Amendment 7  

You must be a US citizen currently to vote in a US election. This amendment is a MAGA Republican attempt to make it more difficult for local governments to reform and manage their elections. Vote NO on Amendment 7.

Missouri Proposition A

If voters pass Proposition A, the minimum wage would be raised gradually for a third of all Missouri workers, and paid sick leave would be required as it is in 18 other states and Washington, D.C.

The minimum wage would increase to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2025, and $15 by January 2026. Beginning in 2027, the state would adjust it annually based on the Consumer Price Index.The American recommends a YES vote