target=”_blank”>The Messenger (Iowa): Troubling questions remain about the character of Obama. He was elected to the Senate only because of efforts by the Chicago political machine. His personal associations involved one – closer than Obama will admit – with a leader of the 1960s Weather Underground terrorist organization. That man, William Ayers, has commented that, ”I don’t regret setting bombs.” And Obama’s association of many years with his pastor, the anti-American Rev. Jeremiah Wright, ended only when the relationship was brought to light by the news media. (Oct. 19)
The Lancaster (P.A.) New Era: McCain has broken with his own party on spending, and he pressed the Bush administration for a change in the Iraq war strategy (Bush eventually adopted the surge, which has proven successful). And he voted against a bloated energy bill and all its giveaways for oil companies. McCain’s reputation as a maverick is secure, but he also has shown a willingness to reach across the aisle and work with Democrats on issues, such as campaign-finance reform and education. (Oct. 20)
The Eagle Times (N.H.): On both fronts, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, provides America’s best hope for restoring economic growth and keeping Americans safe. By comparison, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, proposes higher taxes and more government spending on the domestic front and an open invitation to diplomacy for any country, including our sworn enemies, in foreign policy. Neither will strengthen this country at home or abroad. (Oct. 23)
The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch: Unlike Obama, McCain has a record of bipartisanship: He was a member of the Gang of 14 Republican and Democratic senators who joined in 2005 to preserve the Senate filibuster rule. Note that this courageous act, which enraged the Republican Senate leadership, preserved the filibuster power for what was then the Democratic minority in the Senate. Because of the personal sacrifices that McCain has made for the nation, he has unmatched moral authority to call on Americans to take their medicine. If elected, that is precisely what he should do. (Oct. 19)
The Detroit News: The next president will be charged with stabilizing Iraq so American troops can leave that country in good conscience. He will also have to find an answer for Afghanistan that doesn’t bog down America in another long conflict or provoke Pakistan, a tenuous and nuclear armed ally. McCain may lack the inspirational qualities of his opponent, but if this were a blind audition judged solely on the resumes of the two candidates, he would win decisively.(Oct. 23)
The Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch: We believe that Obama is qualified by temperament to serve as president, though his limited experience does give pause. We believe he possesses the depth and the eloquence to inspire his fellow citizens and to spread America’s message of liberty and freedom abroad. But we are troubled by many of his policy positions. Among the bipartisan spendthrifts who populate Congress, few if any can match