Ohio paper backs McCain, Fla. paper endorses Obama
By The Associated Press – 3 hours ago
Excerpts from recent newspaper endorsements of the presidential candidates, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. The Cincinnati Enquirer endorsed McCain, saying the Arizona senator "offers up his compelling biography as a war hero, his admirable candor and his centrist independence in an increasingly polarized political environment." The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times calls Obama "someone who has the intellectual depth and inspirational qualities to confront the complicated issues at hand."
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The Cincinnati Enquirer endorsed McCain on Oct. 25:
This is a time for a president with deep experience and proven character, a president who thrives in the great, good, honest middle ground in which most Americans live, a president forthright enough to tell us what we'd rather not hear, a president with the courage to follow his convictions and the grit to persevere.
This is Sen. John McCain's time. ...
McCain offers up his compelling biography as a war hero, his admirable candor and his centrist independence in an increasingly polarized political environment. A McCain administration would chart a wiser course on the economy than one led by his Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. McCain's campaign has recently found a sharp focus on economic and tax issues, allowing voters to draw clear distinctions with policies Obama would pursue.
And as president, McCain would fill the need for some semblance of partisan balance in Washington, keeping what promises to be a more heavily Democratic Congress from running roughshod on business policy, unions, free trade, health care and more. ...
Obama's record lies to the left of most Americans, yet he is running as a centrist who can reconcile a range of viewpoints. But can we have confidence he will govern from the middle? Will he even need to, or be able to, with a Congress heavily controlled by Democrats, perhaps with a filibuster-proof Senate?
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The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times endorsed Obama in an editorial set for publication Oct. 26:
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. ...
McCain, 72, remains an American hero, a former Vietnam prisoner of war whose service to his country has been honorable. Yet his campaign in recent months has been unworthy of his record and raises serious questions about his judgment and leadership if elected.
Most disturbing has been McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. It was a reckless decision based on political calculations, not the country's best interests.
On the Net:
* Cincinnati Enquirer: news.cincinnati.com
* St. Petersburg Times: tampabay.com
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