Note: All quotation emphases are mine.
My State's largest newspaper, and one with a penchant for leaning Republican at some of the most awkward of times, The Oregonian has endorsed Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden to become the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.
Obama has the best chance, and the best abilities, to rebuild an American economy that has grown dangerously unstable, with government, consumers and the nation itself spiraling deeply into debt and selling off the national future to pay for daily expenses. He is the best choice to rebuild the American position in the world, to restore our ties with traditional allies, to re-make the American argument to the rest of the world.
Aside from citing Senator Obama's many preferred credentials and characteristics that set him above Republican candidate, Senator John McCain, The O's editorial piece offers their rationalization to overlooking the GOP's choice after supporting him for the Republican nomination during the primary season. They conclude that:
... in this campaign, the historic John McCain has often been hard to see. Some of his bolder independent positions have been dropped by the wayside in his pursuit of the Republican nomination, and McCain has shown little ability to adapt to new circumstances.
The O. also writes that two issues "reinforce" their choice. The first being the judgment shown in the candidates' choices of running-mates. To which they favor Senator Joe Biden's (D-DE) "clear capacity to be a significant asset". While for Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, the editorial board is less optimistic of Senator McCain's prognosis.
Having Palin a heartbeat from the presidency makes our own heart miss a beat.
Paddles at the ready. Charge. Clear.
The second decisive issue for their endorsement goes to the issue of appointments of one or more Supreme Court Justices in the coming years. To this, the editorial board cannot stress more firmly that decisions that will be handed down from the highest court, whether they be about Constitutional Rights to abortion to privacy, are simply to important to hand over to someone that makes snap decisions when "critical decisions" are necessary.
At a time when the Bush administration has repeatedly assaulted American traditions protecting privacy, banning torture and guaranteeing the right of habeas corpus, even a generally conservative Supreme Court has stood against his incursions. But the addition of more justices embracing a doctrine of an all-powerful executive could change American law and rights beyond recognition.
I find it very settling that the Board saw fit to look beyond Senator McCain's service to the United States without overlooking it. That "judgment" served as the key component to earning the newspaper's backing. In this case specifically, they write why Senator Obama's steadfast and calm nature are far-better-suited for the Presidency.
Over his career, and over his candidacy, Obama has shown a powerful ability to reach people, especially the young, who have become indifferent or despairing about the American future. He has also conducted a long, massive, impressively orchestrated campaign that displayed his ability to remain poised, focused and organized under pressure.
My State's paper, has made me smile widely this morning. I hope it favors you with one as well. :D