Final answer:
William Cullen Bryant used his post as an editor to shape public discourse, much like his contemporaries including Horace Greeley, and similar to modern editors who influence culture and politics through their publications.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Cullen Bryant, as an editor, wielded significant influence on public opinion through the pages of his publication. His role as an editor allowed him to shape the discourse on topics of his era by selectively publishing works that reflected his views and the political and social atmosphere he wanted to promote. Editors like Bryant, Horace Greeley, and others mentioned such as the editors of camp newspapers during World War II or William P. Trent in his literary works, often sought to balance their journalistic integrity with the needs and sensitivities of their readership, sometimes promoting themes like loyalty, unity, and social change.
For instance, Horace Greeley as editor of the New York Weekly Tribune promoted Western expansion as a solution for unemployment in the cities with his safety-valve theory. Similarly, during World War II, internee editors of camp newspapers strove to maintain morale and demonstrate loyalty to the United States amidst difficult circumstances by adopting editorial policies that were seen as constructive to the community. In theory, these editors, much like Bryant, played a critical role in directing public sentiment and shaping societal values.
In modern times, editors like Smith at the New Republic have seen their roles as opportunities to usher in societal change by using their platforms to highlight minority voices and foster diversity in journalism. These historical and contemporary examples underscore that an editor's position is not just about publishing stories but also about influencing culture and politics through the power of the written word.