Scientific American magazine backs Harris with second endorsement in 179-year history

Scientific American magazine has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. It's only the second time the magazine has backed a presidential candidate in its 179-year history.

In an editorial column published on Monday, the magazine warned that Republican nominee Donald Trump "endangers public health and safety and rejects evidence, preferring instead nonsensical conspiracy fantasies."

"He ignores the climate crisis in favor of more pollution," the column continued. "He requires that federal officials show personal loyalty to him rather than upholding U.S. laws. He fills positions in federal science and other agencies with unqualified ideologues. He goads people into hate and division, and he inspires extremists at state and local levels to pass laws that disrupt education and make it harder to earn a living."

Editors said they backed Harris because she "offers the country better prospects, relying on science, solid evidence, and the willingness to learn from experience."

"She pushes policies that boost good jobs nationwide by embracing technology and clean energy. She supports education, public health and reproductive rights. She treats the climate crisis as the emergency it is and seeks to mitigate its catastrophic storms, fires and droughts."

The magazine compared the two candidates' records on health care, reproductive rights, gun safety, the environment and technology. Harris came out on top in each category.

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"At the top of the ballot, Harris does deserve our vote. She offers us a way forward lit by rationality and respect for all," the editors wrote. "Trump, a convicted felon who was also found liable of sexual abuse in a civil trial, offers a return to his dark fantasies and demagoguery, whether it's denying the reality of climate change or the election results of 2020 that were confirmed by more than 60 court cases, including some that were overseen by judges whom he appointed."

"One of two futures will materialize according to our choices in this election. Only one is a vote for reality and integrity. We urge you to vote for Kamala Harris."