AZ Republic’s desperation: Meds might help

As Republicans, it’s no secret we are in the crosshairs of the Hillary-endorsing, Trump-despising Arizona Republic newspaper. As conservatives and supporters of President Trump, the editorial content and columnists’ vile disgorge make it clear they wish we’d all take a hike from which we’d never return. In the end, it was the newspaper’s left-wing Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist Steve Benson who was recently given his walking papers, by parent Gannett Co. Inc. Benson was a victim of declining circulation, making him no longer affordable.

Gannett, which also publishes USA Today has been targeted for a buyout bid from a media group with a history of taking over struggling newspapers and slashing jobs, desperate actions the newspaper has already been engaging in as it tries to stay afloat.

 Referring to the Arizona Republic as “struggling newspaper” is understatement. Monday’s edition is a case in point. With six pages, the Sports Section — which oddly includes obits — was the weightier portion of the entire anorexic edition. Two additional pages delivered syndicated comics, puzzles and movie listings. Three-and-a-half others touched on local and national news, radical opinions and nearly full-page local and national weather reports supplied through a paid service. USA Today, an insert originally intended to provide heft, was reduced to a single page. During campaign season, the editorial board of the newspaper, which actually debuted as The Arizona Republican, reliably endorses extreme leftists. There is no op-ed page featuring conservative writers.

The madness knows no bounds. Editorial page editor Phil Boas oversaw the relentless attacks that took 6-term elected Sheriff Joe Arpaio — his own father-in-law — out of office.

But, there is something new. Tucked in among arthritis clinics promising relief from joint, knee or back pain, multiple full page ads for hearing aids and a Snowbird Extravaganza aimed at the aging demographic that still read the leftward skew — are a new breed of ads. They promise renewed vitality. One, a half-pager minces no words, headlining, “Return of Youthful Sexual Feelings Delighting Couples of All Ages.” Another, in a pre-Valentine mode screams out in all caps, “SHOW YOUR SWEETHEART THAT YOU CARE.”

The failing newspaper might do well take its own advice and try some revitalizing meds. Another bit of advice: Stop insulting your few remaining readers by force feeding them the benefits of the illegal invasion on our southern border. It might make you feel good in the short term, but the lasting effects are the precursor to doom.