Variety endorses a presidential candidate for first time in 111-year history, declares Trump sexist and racist

'We feel strongly that we should take a public stance on this historic election'

(Nigel Parry, CNN)

Trade publication Variety has endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time since it began in 1905.

In an open letter taken from its latest issue (1 November), co-editors-in-chief Claudia Weller and Andrew Wallenstein explain how, alongside publisher Michelle Sobrino-Steams, they feel strongly that a public stance should be taken in ensuring Hillary Clinton becomes the next President of the United States.

"We believe that Clinton is not only the best candidate for the job, but the only candidate. As many endorsements have noted, she has the experience and temperament necessary to make a truly effective president. In fact, it’s hard to think of any presidential candidate with the depth of knowledge and public-service record she has."

(Matt Rourke/AP/REX/Shutterstock (Matt Rourke/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

The impassioned letter not only lists the motivating factors behind the decision but decries Republican nominee Donald Trump branding him "sexist," "racist," and "litigious."

It reads:

"But it is a far different story when it comes to her opponent. Donald Trump lacks the experience, knowledge, and diplomacy to hold public office. His run for the presidency can be viewed as nothing more than a ploy to land another TV deal or launch a new cable channel so he can continue spewing his sexist, racist views. 

"As for Trump’s racist views, we’re talking about a man who wants to build a wall to block immigration and expel all Muslims and undocumented immigrants (whom he dubbed “bad hombres”) in our country. Show business is grappling with its own diversity issues — witness last year’s #OscarsSoWhite controversy, and #BlackLivesMatter. During these challenging times for Hollywood and the world at large, Trump would not be a moral leader who could inspire change."

The letter notes that fellow magazine The Atlantic also decided to endorse Clinton, marking the third time it's done so since it was founded in 1857).

It ends on the below:

"The time has come to elect our first female president. Women, young and old, are ready to have someone in the highest office who will protect their rights, champion their causes, and serve as a role model for this and future generations.

"We are proud to endorse Hillary Clinton as president and put an end to a prolonged election circus dominated by an egomaniacal ringmaster. Through it all, she has remained dignified and focused on the issues. We believe she will lead America forward with great vigour and success."

The 2016 US presidential election takes place next Tuesday 8 November. You can read the full open letter here.