LA Times editorial board endorses McCain and Obama

The Editorial Board of The Los Angeles Times has just announced that it will endorse Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama for the Republican and Democratic party nominations, respectively.

The editorials making the announcements will be published in Sunday's editions of the newspaper, the first copies of which become available Saturday.

In its editorial on McCain, the Board, which is headed by Publisher David Hiller and is a totally separate body from the news-gathering side of the newspaper, said it did not agree with McCain on several important issues, such as gay rights and abortion. But it added, "the Arizona senator's conservatism is, if not always to our liking, at least genuine. It reflects his fundamental individualism, spanning his distrust of big government, his support for immigration reform and his insistence on a sound American foreign policy."

It also noted its disagreement with McCain on soldiering on in Iraq. But noted: "we welcome his insistence that America's military posture be matched by its moral purpose. Alone among the Republican candidates, he would close the detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which has become an international symbol of American U.S. arrogance. He has waged a principled and persistent effort to end the Bush administration's embrace of torture as a weapon of war, a frightening concession to terrorism and an abdication of basic American values."

The editorial praised his commitment to free trade, combating legislative earmarks and pushing his party to accept and combat global warming. It said he is "clear-eyed" about the imperiled futures of Social Security and Medicare. But it added that McCain is not the only impressive Republican in the race and went on to praise Mitt Romney "as a vigorous and articulate alternative."

"We appreciate his analytical skills," the editorial notes, "as well as his distinguished record as governor of Massachusetts, where he pioneered healthcare reform and demonstrated leadership with his willingness to cross party lines for progress. But Romney has spent so much effort to convince Republicans he's one of them that he has called his most basic values into question."

It called Mike Huckabee "a good-natured man with an admirable record as governor of Arkansas" who has allowed his Christian fundamentalism to so infuse "his secular views that he has drifted to the margins of the campaign."

Concluding, the editorial adds, "We do not agree with John McCain on every issue. But we admire his conviction and stand with him on those that matter most right now."

On the Democratic side the editorial board "strongly endorsed" Obama, admitting there are two strong candidates but adding it's not difficult to choose between them.

It calls Obama "an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics." It notes that Hillary Clinton is "an accomplished public servant" whose election would provide familiarity but that she failed a test of judgment and leadership by voting for the iraq war and then accusing President Bush of abusing the authority she helped give him.

Obama, the editorial says, "demonstrates as well that he is open-eyed about the terrorist threat posed to the nation, and would not shrink from military action where it is warranted. He does not oppose all wars, he has famously stated, but rather dumb wars. He also has the edge in economic policy, less because of particular planks in his platform than in his understanding that some liberal orthodoxies developed over the last 40 years have been overtaken by history. He offers leadership on education, technology policy and environmental protection unfettered by positions taken by previous administrations."

The editorial concludes: "Obama's candidacy offers the Democrats the best hope of leading America into the future, and gives Californians the opportunity to cast their most exciting and consequential ballot in a generation. Clinton would be a valuable and competent understudy, but Obama matches her in substance and adds something that the nation has been missing for far too long -- a sense of aspiration."

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo credits:
John McCain: Kathy Willens / Associated Press
Barack Obama: Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

Comments

[jennifer]

are you serious. Thanks you just gave the election to the repubicans. how any one can support someone that is not experience to run this country is crazy. We already had a learn on the job president for the past 7 years and he even had more experience being a govenor. This paper has some serious problems.

(ATTN: All supporters of those NOT endorsed by the LA Times Editorial Board--If you have a comment on blog items, do leave them here. If you disagree with the Board's choice, pls address your concerns to letters@latimes.com. That's the Editorial Board, which is separate from the rest of the paper and the entire website. The choice was made by its members in consultation with the publisher, not Chicago. Thanks for reading. P.S. The same goes for those happy with the endorsements.)

[Chicka]

I'm voting for Obama, but I honestly thought you guys were going to come out for Clinton.

Woah.

I think my whole world existence just slipped off it's axis.

[hanksf]

Was the decision made by your Chicago Tribune bosses?

(See answer to top comment.)

[SeniorMoreno]

BEWARE !!!!

TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE FRIENDS OR RELATIVES THAT ARE ILLEGAL!

CLINTON OPPOSES ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DRIVER'S LICENCE!

IF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE NOT GIVEN DRIVER'S LICENCES THEY WILL BE FORCED
TO BREAK THE LAW!

AND SINCE IT IS A CRIME TO BREAK THE LAW, IF CAUGHT YOU ARE EXEMPT FROM
A PATH TO CITIZENSHIP!

THIS WILL FOREVER BAN YOU FROM BEING A U.S. CITIZEN!
THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO DEPORT YOU!

OBAMA BELIEVES THAT THOSE WHO BLAME IMMIGRANTS FOR JOB LOSSES AND LOW WAGES
ARE USING LATINOS AS SCAPEGOATS. CLINTON ON THE OTHER HAND BELIEVES THAT LATINOS ARE
IN PART RESPONSIBLE FOR JOB LOSSES AND LOW WAGES.

OBVIOUSLY OBAMA IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR LATINOS IF YOU WANT TO STOP THE BLAME ON LATINOS!

SAY NO TO THE SCAPEGOATING!

SI SE PUEDE! SI SE PUEDE! SI SE PUEDE!

[BGurl]

I don't understand how anyone can endorse McCain given his history of Keating 5, Black Mesa and pandering to the anti-American reconquesta wing of the Mexican nationalist/illegal immigration lobby. Give me a break. You should take a closer look at (1) the company John McCain keeps and (2) his actual track record (vs. the media-spun package he tries to sell us).

If you want America to stay strong and not sell it out to McCain's buddy Juan Hernandez, then I suggest you vote Romney. No one else can stop McCain from selling out America. Once again, if you are a Republican, vote Romney.

If somehow, the media gives McCain the nomination, as it seems intent on doing, then vote for any Democrat opposing him. The nation deserves someone who will stand up for the American people first -- John McCain has not done that in a couple of decades and will not do that as president. He is the most corrupt creature of Washington in this campaign.

(See response to top comment pls.)

[whorse]

WAY TO GO LA TIMES! GO OBAMA 2008!

And why can't we comment here? Isn't that what this "comment" section is for? We comment and dont write private emails because we want to be heard...

(Obviously, you can comment. You just did. But if those who are unhappy with the choices want their thoughts heard by the people who made those choices, they should use that letters address.)

[LinuxRocks]

Are you serious?! Obama?! I don't think so. I'll take experience and results any day over hype, therefore I'm supporting Clinton. And my previously high opinion of the LA Times has just gone down...a lot. Surely you're not serious...

[spdubois, Oakland, CA]

You've got to be kidding me. If there isn't a teleprompter around or prepared statement they guy can't talk. Hoping doesn't accomplish much. You must perform. He's too much like Bush in his style - build a team around you that tells YOU what to do instead of being a leader you're just a talking head.

The voters once again will speak -- California will be delivered to HRC.

[John]

You made the right choice in endorsing Sen. Obama.

Sen. Clinton displayed remarkably poor judgment in her two most important decisions: when she was charged with developing her husband's health care plan and in her vote for the catastrophic Iraq War. Twenty-three senators had the good sense not to support the war, but she was not one of them. Hillary Clinton is indirectly responsible for the (predictable) deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people. Is that the kind of leadership we need?

[Shelly Caldeira]

Mr. Moreno, being a white person, I never even thought of the lisence / breaking the law factor...Good point! The Clintons are big-time corperate dems...Hillary earned about 100,000k serving as a non functional on the board of wall mart...she says she was there to promote wage increases and womens rights. Do a fact check on that! She did nothing! Another point, why does'nt anyone call on her on the following when she touts about "the fabulous Clinton years" The Clinton's have been huge supporters of Bush's and the Neocon's view of NEW WORLD ORDER. Clinton passed NAFTA. Nafta has proven to be probably the single most contributing factor of job losses in America, let alone how it has almost wiped out Mexican farmers! Ask yourself why Rupert Merdock sponsored a fund raising event for Hillary...ask yourself why big corps love the Billary!!! And what about Bill's brokering of a uranium deal with the president of Kazahkstan and his Canadian friend Frank Guistra in 2005? He received $131,000,000 for it and is now denying any wrong-doing after trying to keep it a secret for these last two years. More of the same from the Clintons and we're doomed for more of the same if they get into the White house again.

Please look into these facts. Shelly 2005?

[Jennifer]

Pathetic endorsement for an unqualified candidate. So sad. Wake up America! Are we really going to put someone up against McCain who hasn't even served a full term in the Senate? Hello???!!!

[Yoli Pastrana]

O.K. Hillary doesn't get the endoresement because she supported the Iraq War, but John McCain not only supported the War but doesn't mind if we're bogged down there for 100 years. As usual the men will prevail.

[linda]

How could any moderates and liberals backs war monger McCain. McCain wants to bomb Iran and stay in Iraq for 100 years and promised for more wars. McCain says he wants interest rates to be ZERO out of complete ignorance for how interest rates affect the economy. I'd like to see him say that to retirees on a fixed income. McCain want 10 million illegal immigrants to stay permanently and legal immigrants who can vote do not support it. How could this country be secure if he is in power??? If McCain is nominee, as a republican I would rather vote Clinton than McCain. As least we know Clinton has some intelligence and lead the booming economic. McCain will lead this country to a total ruin with his lack of intelligence and no executive experience. Mitt Romney is an expert in economics and finance and is the man we need as president.

[Marks]

After 34 years, bet that Presidential endorsement process felt good!

Obama has received newspaper honors from up and down the Pacific Coast!

Seattle Times
Oregan Herald
San Jose Mercury News
Sacramento Bee
San Fransisco Chronicle
LA Times

Obama doesn't carry the past with him, like Hillary does. It's good, not to have a legacy in government. Many people don't want to repeat Clintons in the White House. Opinions aren't putting down Hillary's gender!

It's simply the Clinton name. We repeated with Bush's and it hasn't turned out well. She decides what Bill's role will be?

America is deciding the First Lad is not the right role for a former President. It's too undefinable what Bill was going to do. Many don't want Bill dealing with White House policy ever again.

The world is watching America. Can we go forward and not repeat the past?

No matter the experience, George H. and George W. failed in many ways as Presidents. It's hope all the time, when we elect them. Bill had his own personal failure issues and didn't solve them while being President!

Bill's personal problems affected Congress having poor confidence in him.

[Barbara]

Great job LA Times!! Ant to spdubois, Barack is within 3 of HRC your beloved candidate. He is gaining an average of 3 points a day. Do the math. And he doesn't have towin, just come close. He made up a deficit of 17 points in 2 weeks in Connecticut.

By the way, what experience does HRC have? She can't even campaign on her own. She relies on her husband.

Yes. We. Can. Go Obama!!!!!

We don't need the same two elite families running our country for over twenty years. That is NOT democracy.

[mrunpc]

MCCAIN’S CANES

Bob Dole (at 73) was constantly labeled too old to run against Bill Clinton in 1996 and age is NEVER mentioned (at least yet) as a factor with McCain who’s 72. John McCain’s candidacy was dead and buried until a few weeks before the NH primary due to incompetent staff, mismanagement and lack of money. McCain himself admits that he’s not well versed on economics...and voters are somehow convinced that this man can oversee the country’s economy better than a highly successful private sector businessman like Mitt Romney?

Strip away John McCain’s 40 year ago military experience, which we’re NEVER allowed to forget about or question (it’s just about ALL he ever references in speeches and debates no matter what question he’s asked), and you have nothing but a tired, old, empty suited, Washington, D.C. political hack/insider. He is an extremely weak candidate and a terrible debater by every account, especially compared to Mitt Romney (or even Huckabee).

Without the assistance of his “Canes” propping him up during this farce of a campaign, John McCain candidacy would still be dead and buried. Day after day, the canes come out of the political woodwork to endorse ol’ RINO (Republican In Name Only) Johnny.

MCCAIN’S CANE # 1...the Liberal biased Main Stream Media and Press. With orgasmic puff story after puff story, it resurrected McCain from the dead, elevating him to frontrunner status just in time for the election.

MCCAIN’S CANE # 2...Independent and Democrat voters, who, for some bizarre reason, are allowed to vote in the REPUBLICAN primaries. I’d LOVE to meet the rocket scientists in those states who allow THAT to happen.

In Florida, Mitt Romney was gathering tremendous momentum and soaring in the polls until the weekend before the election.

MCCAIN’S CANE # 3...Florida Governor Crist who endorsed McCain just TWO days before the election.. Unfortunately, it was enough to convince a woefully uninformed voting public to vote for McCain and against Romney who was soaring in the polls until that moment. While this was bad enough, the fact that so many thousands of Floridians had to be TOLD who to vote just TWO days before such an important election was despicable, shameful, if not downright scary.

MCCAIN’S CANE # 4...Rudy Guiliani, who ends his “campaign” with an endorsement of, who else but John McCain hours before the California debate. Even with THAT, McCain who always been a terrible debater, was crushed by Mitt Romney at every turn...imagine what Obama would to to him?

MCCAIN’S CANE # 5...California Governor, Arnold Schwartzenager who now is endorsing old Johnny just before the Super Tuesday primaries.

If John McCain is the Republican nominee (heaven forbid), it will be done SOLELY with his the assistance of his canes and without them he is nearly helpless and will be easily defeated by either Hillary Clinton or upstart, or half-McCain’s-age, 36 year old Barack Hussein Obama.

Mitt Romney is by far the most qualified man in EITHER party and is a class act all the way. And yet since he became a GOP candidate for president, I have seen nothing but negative, trivial articles/stories about his Mormon religion, his money, his slick appearance, etc, all fully intended to sway a naive electorate that pays far too little attention to the most important 4 year event in our country.

Mitt Romney is a TRUE family man and very successful at turning failed or failing enterprises around and Lord knows the United States of America needs turning around. It should be run as a business first, with a strong military to protect it from harm. All other social, giveaway programs should be scrutinized (and certainly would be under a Romney presidency) as to efficiency and even necessity. The fact that he was even elected Governor in a state (MA) controlled by 85% Democrat legislature was a feat in itself. In spite of it, he did a very admirable job as Governor, turning a large state deficit into a surplus. Of course, his many justified vetoes were constantly overturned by those liberal Democrats which made for a lot of frustration.

If Mitt Romney does get the GOP nomination it will be MUCH to the chagrin of the Democrat National Committee liberal propaganda machine because he will be their worst nightmare and most difficult to defeat...Obama, Clinton, or otherwise.

John McCain’s time has long since come and gone and it has become more than obvious during this primary campaign that he doesn’t even have the ability to WALK up the White House “stairs” without his “Canes”, let alone RUN the biggest economy and country in the world.

The power of the internet is incredible...use it! Email ANY and EVERYONE you know who will be voting on Tuesday and let them know just how disasterous it would be to vote for McCain. Educate them as to why and turn them on to Mitt Romney. I've met him on several occasions and was at the MA Rep. convention when we nominated him for Governor there. Put some links in your emails to this GREAT ad from Citizen's United: http://media.citizensunited.org/Surprisingly.htm. It's a killer for McCain. Tell them to get on the Romney bandwagon and help the guy out at: http://www.mittromney.com. Besides emails, you can make phone calls AND write/submit letters to editors online and at major metropolitan newspapers http://www.newslink.org/news.html around the country.

[Barry Scott]

Hillary is woman, and that would be great, but she's the WRONG woman.

Obama is the future, black or while, man or woman, he is the future.

Thank you LA Times, I hope your endorsement makes the difference!

[MrUNPC]

OBAMA
With some of the presidential candidate’s religions being scrutinized (only on the Republican side, of course) I think it only fair to do a little shedding of light of same on the Democrat side, don't you? So, let's see...How about Mr. Obama?

Indeed, if ANYONE’S religion should be micro-analyzed, it is Mr. Barack Hussein Obama. Oh, didn’t any of you realize that his middle name is Hussein? No? Then I’ll bet you didn’t know that his FIRST name, Barack, stands for “blessed one” in Arabic...and even better yet, it is taken directly from, you guessed it, the KORAN! What a revelation! Well, then, let’s continue, shall we?

Barack Hussein Obama’s FATHER was, in FACT, a RADICAL AFRICAN MUSLIM who abandoned his wife and little Barack (nice guy, eh?). The young Mr. Obama is known to have grown up and remained a Muslim until at LEAST the age of 25! Today however, he claims to be a Christian! Would anyone care to provide proof of when, where, why, and how he shed his Muslim religion for Christianity? Has ANYONE EVER heard of ANY Muslim converting from the Muslim faith to, of all things, Christianity? Does anyone know ANY Muslim who is not a Muslim for LIFE?

By the way, I recommend checking out Mr. Obama's "church" by visiting the United Church of Christ's website at http://www.tucc.org/about.htm. It should be an insult to any Christian that this racist organization is allowed to cloak itself in the name. All references, etc. are made to Africa/Africans with none to America or Americans. Gee, I seem to recall another "organization" that cloaks itself in the name of the Muslim religion...some name like Al Queda or some such.

If Mr. Obama is such a Christian, why on earth does he choose to keep his MUSLIM name? If Cassius Clay could change his name to Muhammed Ali in his embracement of the Muslim faith, then how come Mr. Obama never did the same in his conversion to Christianity...hmmmm? How about Barry Alabama? Now, THERE'S a nice Christian name right out of the bible belt, don't you think?

Just thought I’d bring up these interesting little tidbits...after all, if the religious anal exam can be done so relentlessly to Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, it can certainly be done with Mr. Barack Hussein Obama. After all, what’s fair is fair, right? Of course, I won’t hold my breath waiting for the Democrat Party Liberal propaganda machine (aka: main stream press) to do the same. After all, it just isn’t in their ultra biased interest.

[mrs.coyle]

Regarding Governor Huckabee, Anyone could access the University of Arkansas Poll that reflects the OUTSTANDING record of the Governor for his 10.5 years execuetive experience. Anyone could research the educational stats that moved Arkansas from 49th in the nation uo to 8th in the nation. Anyone could research the Governor's ARKids health program that provided health care for the children of Arkansas. Anyone could find how dramatically the infrastructure of AR was improved for the citizens during the Governor's tenure. Anyone could find that Governor Huckabee was ELECTED by his PEERS to chair the NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION. None of these "respectable" accomplishments would have been possible if the Governor had used his PUBLIC OFFICE as a pulpit.

The media's portrayal that Governor Huckabee is just a Christian candidate IS JUST WISHFUL THINKING ON THEIR PART. Don't wait for these guys to tell you - find out the truth for yourself. www.mikehuckabee.com

[sieweke hubert]

Although being a German and not able to vote in the US, I am really surprised by the LATimes endorsement.
Never before in my 58 years lasting time has the Primeries in USA been so exiting for me and has make me interesting as to read a major newpapers every day. Up to today I was sometimes upset by somments made by the LAT normaly in favour of HRC. Why? When I four months ago watched first time Obama on TV, I was so impressed that I could not believe, why HRC, with her and her husband's stories, was topping the pools in US.
After IOWA it was as clear to me as today, that he will be the best choice the USA, the Western World and also the Arabic World could get.
HRC want to be President for herself, Obama for the American people.
I don't believe in the stories that a President must have the long time White House experience, because the administration is huge and everybody having a little bit more sence than GWB is a better one.

Anyway, I was surprised and hopefully will be surprised, when the NYT will change their endorsement too.................
Would be glad to see a similar person in Germany than BO!!

[vwcat]

I am very happy the LA Times endorsed Sen. Obama.
Hillary is a good senator and very competent but, after the past month, you know there are going to be major problems with Bill. His out of control behavior, he would never be able to leave things alone and up to his wife. It would be a circus.
If hillary was by herself, I think she would be a very good choice.
That said, after what I have witnessed the past 30 years, we need Barack Obama to be president. The steady downward spiral of our politics, our society and our country is alarming. Even the angry rants by Hillary's supporters here because they are disappointed. Where is all this anger and hate coming from?
It is so typical of what is going on in Washington and why nothing is getting done or being taken care of.
As for experience, Obama has 10 years as a constitutional scholar, 8 as a state senator and 3 as a US Senator. Also the fact that he put this incredible grassroots organization together in a year and can rival the 20 year machine of the Clintons, shows skills in running complex organizations and build a formidable coalition.
The fact that he was the president of the Harvard Law Review shows someone who has a brilliant mind.
This is a man for our time and what the country desperately needs right now.

[Michael]

I am happy that Hillary and Obama backed off the nastiness in last night's debate. I would be happy with either one as president. Either of them would be a better president than any of the Republicans. I respect McCain, but he's too old and his positions on many issues are just wrong (e.g., Iraq). Romney and Huckabee would be disasters. One is a religious wingnut and the other is a sanctimonious slime. My dream ticket is Clinton & Obama. Eight years of Clinton and eight of Obama and we might be able to repair most of the damage caused by Bush/Cheney Inc.

[Nash]

I couldn't help but notice that the Times didn't even mention Ron Paul in the McCain article despite mentioning the other 2 Republican contenders. I guess this makes sense, if they had realized Dr. Paul was running they would endorse him. I await their retraction.

To qualify for getting my comment posted, I think Obama is the correct choice for Democrats. He's right on Civil Liberties and he was right on the war from the start, unlike Hillary who sold her vote to President Bush. Twice.

[twister61]

IS ANYONE SURPRISED?LA TIMES ENDORSES TWO HARD CORE LIBERALS! BIG DEAL.

[gallo146]

bravo! for obama
independent voter