The Washington Post MAKES GOOD POINTS

The choice is made easy in part by Mr. McCain's disappointing campaign, above all his irresponsible selection of a running mate who is not ready to be president. It is made easy in larger part, though, because of our admiration for Mr. Obama and the impressive qualities he has shown during this long race. Yes, we have reservations and concerns, almost inevitably, given Mr. Obama's relatively brief experience in national politics. But we also have enormous hopes.

The LA Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president.

Barack Obama for president
He is the competent, confident leader who represents the aspirations of the nation.
October 19, 2008


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It is inherent in the American character to aspire to greatness, so it can be disorienting when the nation stumbles or loses confidence in bedrock principles or institutions. That's where the United States is as it prepares to select a new president: We have seen the government take a stake in venerable private financial houses; we have witnessed eight years of executive branch power grabs and erosion of civil liberties; we are still recovering from a murderous attack by terrorists on our own soil and still struggling with how best to prevent a recurrence.

We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement. We need a leader well-grounded in the intellectual and legal foundations of American freedom. Yet we ask that the same person also possess the spark and passion to inspire the best within us: creativity, generosity and a fierce defense of justice and liberty.


The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president.

Indeed, the presidential campaign has rendered McCain nearly unrecognizable. His selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate was, as a short-term political tactic, brilliant. It was also irresponsible, as Palin is the most unqualified vice presidential nominee of a major party in living memory. The decision calls into question just what kind of thinking -- if that's the appropriate word -- would drive the White House in a McCain presidency. Fortunately, the public has shown more discernment, and the early enthusiasm for Palin has given way to national ridicule of her candidacy and McCain's judgment.

Obama's selection also was telling. He might have scored a steeper bump in the polls by making a more dramatic choice than the capable and experienced Joe Biden. But for all the excitement of his own candidacy, Obama has offered more competence than drama.


http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-endorse19-2008oct19,0,5198206.story

-- Modified on 10/17/2008 9:30:17 PM

Obama Picks Up First Tribune Democratic Endorsement

Obama Picks Up First Tribune Democratic Endorsement
By Larry Rohter AND Kitty Bennett
For the first time in its 161-year history, the Chicago Tribune is endorsing a Democrat for president.

The newspaper, which has links to the Republican Party that date back to the founding of the G.O.P., said Friday that Senator Barack Obama is the strongest choice “to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose.”

With that startling departure, the Tribune joined a growing list of large daily newspapers across the country that have stated a preference for the Democratic nominee over Senator John McCain, his Republican rival. A quick survey shows Mr. Obama winning the backing of an overwhelming majority of dailies with circulations over 100,000 that have already made endorsements. Mr. McCain has won the endorsements of The New York Post and The Boston Herald, among others.

Several of the newspapers that have endorsed Mr. Obama cited his youth and freshness on the national scene, along with Mr. McCain’s age, as factors in their decision.

“Not since John F. Kennedy has a presidential candidate so moved a young generation,” wrote The San Jose Mercury News, while The St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that “the 25-year difference in the ages of Mr. McCain, 72, and Mr. Obama, 47, is important largely because Mr. Obama’s election would represent a generational shift.”

The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times also endorsed the Democratic candidate this week, as did the Spanish-language dailies La Opinion in Los Angeles and El Diario -La Prensa in New York.