[ez]

You have a twisted definition of "endorsement" that ABC does not share.

Definition of ENDORSE
transitive verb

2a : to approve openly ; especially : to express support or approval of publicly and definitely

Just because someone does not use the words "I endorse" does not mean they did not endorse them.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"You have a twisted definition of "endorsement" that ABC does not share."

From the ABC article:

"He did not criticize any of the other candidates and said his “hat is off to everyone” in the Republican race."

So if we accept that definition of endorse as the one you posited, then we can also say that Todd Palin has endorsed everyone in the Republican race because he expressed support and approval for all of them by the above statement.

When using endorsement in terms of political endorsement, it is commonly accepted to mean that you support someone above all others in the race. Where does he say he endorses Newt above the others in the article? Something coming from Todd, not the reporter.