Barack Obama.
The whisper of hope the Tidings spoke of on May 3, when we endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic Party nomination, has grown to a moderate roar as the final days to the Nov. 4 election tick down.
We maintain that endorsement, and add to it, in the strongest possible terms: Obama should be the next president of the United States of America.
We believe this is a crucial election and the differences between the two tickets to be extreme. Obama's consistent push for an end to the war in Iraq, improving the nation's energy independence and developing universal health care are positions we support.
At the same time, the Republican Party's support of the war, all-too-cozy relationship with the oil industry and failed domestic social and economic policies appear to promise no significant improvement under a McCain administration.
Hope, based on solid plans, is what we need. Only Obama fits the bill.
He also provides hope for the world.
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In 2004, unlike most of the old Knight-Ridder newspapers, The State endorsed Bush. This time it endorses McCain, though the editors say they like both:
Consider judicial appointments. Both men say they would not apply litmus tests, but only Sen. McCain can back up the claim. He led the bipartisan Gang of 14 that put a stop to the partisan impasse over the judiciary; Sen. Obama declined to join. Sen. McCain voted to confirm two Clinton appointees. Sen. Obama has declined the only opportunities he’s had to do likewise, opposing Samuel Alito and John Roberts.
Time and again — consider immigration reform, or campaign finance law — John McCain has opposed his own party when it was wrong, often at great political risk. In his brief time in the Senate, Sen. Obama has demonstrated no such pattern. With Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid expected to increase their majorities in Congress, that’s an important consideration.
For more than 40 years, in war and peace, John McCain has exhibited fierce integrity, principled independence and awe-inspiring courage as he has put his country first. Between two extraordinary candidates, he is the better qualified.
So it is that The State proudly endorses John McCain for president of the United States.
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The Philadelphia Daily News has endorsed Obama:
In concrete terms, the United States is faced with a range of crises - economic, military, diplomatic - that are increasingly complex, that defy ideology and demand an uncommon, united effort. Failure to address them in the past has put the well-being of our children and our planet in doubt. Failure to address them now will, we fear, seal their doom.
But history also includes things that are less prosaic, more poetic: We could be on the verge of picking a president who symbolizes what our country stands for. Opportunity. Equality. Leadership. And big ideas. In the process, we as a country may be becoming the change we want to see.
That's why we endorse Barack Obama.
At this point, maybe no one has the solutions to the country's problems, but Barack Obama has the best chance, by far, of finding them.
He is big enough for the moment.
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Nebraska's McCook Daily Gazette has endorsed John McCain:
We have to admit it's tempting to make no endorsements this year.
With the state of the economy and the new taxpayer burden related to the banking bailout, it would be nice to be able to check that "none of the above" box many voters have been clamoring for over the years.
The decision isn't easy for Southwest Nebraskans and Northwest Kansans when it comes to the presidential race.
This "red" part of the country is usually a cinch for the Republican candidate, but this year, the standard bearer, Sen. John McCain, opposes ethanol subsidies, which have created one of the few bright spots in our economy.
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The Stevens Point Journal says Obama is the one to lead this country forward:
Obama, the Democratic senator from Illinois, is the candidate who will allow us to present a new face to the world, one that will regain a respect we have lost in recent history. Seeing this man of mixed race who spent part of his youth in Hawaii and Indonesia as our leader could go a long way toward healing some of those wounds.
His campaign is rooted in providing hope and inspiring Americans to find new solutions to combat problems in this new century. This philosophy is important considering the challenges the next president will face during the next four years, among them crafting a new strategy for Iraq and a financial system in tatters in part because of the skewing of wealth into fewer hands.
Obama also has excited people about the democratic process like few candidates in recent memory. Millions of potential voters considered "on the fringe" -- young adults, African Americans and Latinos -- have been energized to become involved and active in government.
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(H/T to the AP for most of these new endorsements.)
The Hartford Courant will endorse Obama on Sunday.
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The St. Petersburg Times has endorsed Obama for president:
These are uncertain times. Americans' confidence in our leaders and institutions has been shaken by a failing economy, lengthy wars and an erosion of civil liberties. We feel uneasy about our personal financial security, the country's place in the world and what the future holds. Frankly, after eight disastrous years under President Bush, either John McCain or Barack Obama would be a significant improvement and offer more reassuring leadership. But one candidate offers a clearer break with the past, the qualities to unite this country and the vision to lead it in a new direction. With enthusiasm, the Times recommends Barack Obama for president. Obama's inspiring message of hope and change resonates throughout America. It can be seen in the enormous numbers of new registered voters, the enthusiasm of younger citizens and the excitement among those engaged in the political process for the first time. The hunger for a new leader with fresh ideas has combined with the realization that old assumptions and Washington responses are no match for today's sobering new realities. This is an opportunity to turn to a leader from a new generation, someone who has the intellectual depth and inspirational qualities to confront the complicated issues at hand and create a shared vision for a brighter future for all Americans — regardless of their financial or social status.
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The Vail Daily says Obama is the best of two good choices:
First, let’s acknowledge that Republican John McCain is a big step up from George W. Bush. And Democrat Barack Obama is a big step up from John Kerry.
America has seriously upgraded the quality of its candidates for president between 2004 and 2008. Good thing.
Too bad each campaign has to make the other out as deluded, nearly criminal and the worst sort of scum that ever walked the Earth, never mind had the gall to even consider running for commander in chief.
But that’s part of the traditional American political campaign we’ve come to know each endless election cycle. This will only intensify in the last sprint.
Running a campaign is not the same as holding office. But still, it is telling. Obama has remained composed where McCain has been jumpy, cool where McCain has been hot, decisive where McCain has been increasingly desperate.
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The Lake County News-Sun says it's Obama:
We knew there was a special something, that intangible mix of leadership and charisma, about Obama when the Chicago Democrat came to Waukegan City Hall three short years ago for a town hall meeting following his election to the U.S. Senate. Since then, especially in this trial by fire we call a presidential election, we have been impressed by Obama's fresh and comprehensive proposals.
He offers middle-class families financial relief; he has a better plan for health care; he wants to spur innovation and create new jobs; he proposes an end to breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas; he wants $150 billion for green-collar employment. Sorry, Republicans, but we see no groundbreaking proposals from Sen. John McCain, whose campaign in these last weeks is resorting to the petty politics of fear to dissuade voters.
Obama promises new thinking and would bring change to a nation after eight years of the Bush administration. We believe it is time for a change and that change is in the form of Barack Obama.
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The Ledger Independent of Kentucky believes it should be McCain:
Many friends have asked me to keep an open mind before choosing a candidate. I've tried my best. I've managed to filter out the slime being thrown by both sides and dig out the facts that really matter. I've listened to people whom I admire and respect who have become ardent Obama supporters. They argue that change is needed and that Barack Obama is that agent of change. But Obama's resume' is way too thin for my taste and his judgment has yet to pass any real test.
I wish I could share in their enthusiasm for Sen. Obama; that I could find whatever it is they've found. I've tried and it's just not there. I took a drink of the Kool-Aid. After a sip, I knew I couldn't down the whole glassful.
I always came back to John McCain and my admiration and respect for the former fighter pilot/POW and my belief that he is the best man for the job.
In this day and age when integrity and honor mean so little to so many, and when principle and character often take a back seat to greed and self-gratification, I find the former are still traits I value most in a leader. John McCain, a man who gave up five and a half years of his life in order to remain loyal to his country and his oath, is the embodiment of those qualities I most admire.
That second paragraph should be the Quote of the Day.
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The Corvallis Gazette-News casts its lot with Obama:
Yet intelligence alone is not what makes a great leader; it’s a certain innate ability to quiet the chaos and provide a steady voice of reason. It’s a talent for inspiring confidence.
We saw Obama demonstrate that ability firsthand in March, during his surprise pizza stop in Corvallis. He calmly walked through the jam-packed room as if he were at home. He asked questions, and he listened to the answers.
He’s been careful not to demonize his political opponents. That shows foresight; he may one day call on their talents as allies.
Obama knows how to make friends and influence people. That is the fundamental strength of all good leaders.
We endorse Barack Obama as a leader whose talent for finding consensus can unite our divided nation so that we can solve our problems, together.
"He's been careful not to demonize his political opponents." Are you kidding me? He and his campaign did NOTHING but shit on Hillary Clinton during the primaries and caucuses. It was, without a doubt, the filthiest Democratic primary campaign of modern times.
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The Kerrville Daily Times picks McCain:
Senator John McCain is enjoying his day in the sun after unsuccessfully seeking the Republican nomination in 2000. McCain believes individuals should be able to govern themselves. He has broken ranks with Republicans on some issues, not toeing the party line. He campaigns against waste and earmark spending and would do a better job of making sure all taxpayers get what they pay for. McCain also recognizes the importance of education. The major difference in the candidates is McCain believes Americans can best serve themselves. Obama believes government can best serve Americans.
Ralph Nader is making another run as the Green Party Candidate. One of his more interesting plans calls for a “Fair” income tax where everybody pays a share.
We recommend John McCain.
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Some voices of sanity for "none of the above":
The Abilene Reporter-News (I don't see any editorial about it)
The Ft. Myers News-Press said that because they couldn't get face time with the candidates, they said "fuck it." Well, not quite that way:
We agreed to work with our sister newspapers and broadcast stations in Florida on approaching the presidential campaigns of John McCain and Barack Obama. At The News-Press we agreed that lest we met face to face with the candidates to ask them questions about how their policies would affect Southwest Florida, we would not endorse in this race.
To our dismay, we learned earlier this week from a colleague leading this effort that we would not get the face time we desired with either candidate.
So, in keeping consistent and keeping our word to our readers, we agreed not to endorse in this race.
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(HT to Editor & Publisher for the new additions.)
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