The editorial decision to endorse Biden can be viewed as a form of executive political engagement that actively opposes authoritarian tendencies represented by the Trump administration. From a left-leaning anti-fascist perspective, this engagement is seen positively as it aligns with efforts to uphold democratic norms and counter the rise of authoritarian narratives. However, the move also raises concerns about maintaining the impartiality traditionally expected from scientific publications, an issue that has sparked debate about the broader role of science in political discourse.

The Folly of “Nature” Magazine’s Biden Endorsement

The endorsement of Biden by Nature (linked with Nature Microbiology) was a deliberate act of political engagement aimed at promoting democratic ideals and resisting authoritarianism. From an anti-fascist perspective, this move is positively rated since it aligns with efforts to counter fascist narratives. However, the backlash among Trump supporters — who reported a decline in trust in scientific institutions — underlines the inherent challenges and unintended consequences of politically charged endorsements.

Nature discovers its 2020 endorsement of Joe Biden backfired