on endorsing a candidate for president

michael smerconish, conservative radio talk show host:

"I've decided. My conclusion comes after reading the candidates' memoirs and campaign platforms, attending both party conventions, interviewing both men multiple times, and watching all primary and general election debates. For the first time since registering as a Republican 28 years ago, I'm voting for a Democrat for president."

the chicago tribune:

"On Nov. 4 we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose.

The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama. The Tribune is proud to endorse him today for president of the United States. This is the first time the newspaper has endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee for president.

We have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions. He is ready."

the los angeles times:

"The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president.

The excitement of Obama's early campaign was amplified by (his) newness. But as the presidential race draws to its conclusion, it is Obama's character and temperament that come to the fore. It is his steadiness. His maturity. These are qualities American leadership has sorely lacked for close to a decade.

He is a consensus-builder, a leader...educated and eloquent, sober and exciting, steady and mature. He represents the nation as it is, and as it aspires to be."

the denver post:

"Republicans love to mock Obama's history as a community organizer. But here was a man with no money to offer, no patronage to dispense, no way to punish his opponents. All he could do was to work with people from all walks of life, liberals and conservatives, business people and the unemployed, and bring them together in common cause for a better community. Could there really be better preparation to reunite a worried and divided America to again pursue our "more perfect union"?

As novelist Christopher Buckley said in endorsing Obama, the Illinois senator 'has a first-rate intellect and a first-rate temperament.'

With the help and prayers of the American people, we believe those talents can also make Barack Obama a great president."