Barack Obama picked up at least 17 newspaper endorsements

Barack Obama picked up at least 17 newspaper endorsements this weekend, including six in swing states Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and Missouri. John McCain, as far as we know, gained The Wheeling News-Register in West Virginia and the Napa Valley Register in California. Sen.

McCain's campaign has been as disappointing as his move toward party orthodoxy. More than his opponent, he has run a relentless stream of commercials that have been discredited by nonpartisan fact-checkers. He has articulated no vision for the country other than to suggest that it should believe in him as an individual, as a war hero of independent judgment.

Over the past nine months, Mr. Obama, the junior senator from Illinois, has emerged as the only truly transformative candidate in the race. In the crucible that is a presidential campaign, his intellect, his temperament and equanimity under pressure consistently have been impressive. He has surrounded himself with smart, capable advisers who have helped him refine thorough, nuanced policy positions.

Obama represents a new direction. He has shown he can inspire and lead people to action. And his relatively short time in corrupt, self-absorbed, terribly-failed Washington, D.C., may actually be a key strength. Obama is not stuck in the status quo of the Capitol crowd or its long-failed Congress. America is at a pivotal point in its history — a difficult time that demands talented leadership to renew our nation's spirit and pull us together to meet the incredible challenges ahead.


Obama doesn't just give pretty speeches. He speaks to people's best instincts, encouraging them to shine. The right leader for the time is Barack Obama.

In a word, Mr. Obama has represented himself as presidential. more