USA Today make history by slamming Donald Trump's presidential bid
For the first time in its 34-year history, the editorial board of USA Today have taken a side in a presidential election race and launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump - who they slammed as "unfit for presidency".
In a fiercely critical editorial on Friday, they said their ever-standing no-endorsement policy has been scrapped this year because "Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he lacks the temperament, knowledge, steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents."
They claimed Mr Trump has "betrayed fundamental commitments" of previous presidents and "expressed troubling admiration for authoritarian leaders".
"Whether through indifference or ignorance, Trump has betrayed fundamental commitments made by all presidents since the end of World War II.
"These commitments include unwavering support for NATO allies, steadfast opposition to Russian aggression, and the absolute certainty that the United States will make good on its debts. He has expressed troubling admiration for authoritarian leaders and scant regard for constitutional protections."
In addition to his alleged betrayal, USA Today listed eight reasons why Mr Trump shouldn't be given the keys to the White House.
They include:
He is erratic
He is ill-equipped to be commander in chief
He traffics in prejudice
His business career is checkered
He isn’t leveling with the American people
He speaks recklessly
He has coarsened the national dialogue
He’s a serial liar
USA Today refused to offer support for Hillary Clinton
Despite stinging criticism of Mr Trump, the newspaper said their stance does not "represent unqualified support for Hillary Clinton", who they claim "has her own flaws".
They added: "The Editorial Board does not have a consensus for a Clinton endorsement.
"Other board members have serious reservations about Clinton’s sense of entitlement, her lack of candor and her extreme carelessness in handling classified information".
They appealed for voters to "stay true to your convictions", but urged them to "resist the siren song of a dangerous demagogue. By all means vote, just not for Donald Trump."