Newspapers endorse McCain for president

The Associated Press has been running a daily list of newspapers that have published endorsements for president. Here's a sampling of endorsements for John McCain.

The San Diego Union-Tribune:

"In our analysis, Republican candidate John McCain has a documented record of enlightened leadership in Washington, leadership that often has run counter to the status quo and challenged the folly of senior members of his own party. McCain never has been a conventional politician. He thinks for himself and acts on what he believes to be in the best interests of the nation, and not necessarily in the interests of his party or his own political fortunes. In an era of dismaying partisan paralysis in Washington, McCain has stood out as a bipartisan force, best illustrated by his collaboration with liberal Democratic lion Edward Kennedy on a comprehensive solution to America's immigration dilemma."

The Daily Press of Newport News, Va.:

"In today's instant messaging, celebrity-besotted culture, such opportunities for thoughtful and emotion-free reflection are rare. But when the hopeful message of change is subjected to the glare of factual light, Obama does not emerge as the best candidate to lead the world's most powerful nation during a time of threats both domestic and abroad, both economic and military. John McCain is the better choice, and that is why the editorial page of the Daily Press endorses him for the presidency."

The Winchester Star of Winchester, Va.:

"Selecting a president this go-round matters even more, particularly as it seems certain that one political party will retain or even enhance its control of Congress, perhaps to the point of gaining a coveted 60-vote super-majority in the Senate. Thus, we ask the voter: Is entrusting total domination of the political process to one party in the best interests of America? One must consider the extremism such a possibility would invite: Two of the Senate's most liberal members would assume the presidency and vice-presidency, and the equally liberal leaders of the two branches of a dysfunctional Congress would remain in the presidential succession. Thus, the need for balance, for a leavening presence, is apparent, almost achingly so. Given what confronts us globally and inside the halls of Congress, America needs strong, seasoned leadership. In what truly is an important election, the choice for president could not be any clearer John Sidney McCain III."

The Daily Courier of Grants Pass, Ore.:

"Experience and the courage to do what's right, no matter the political cost, are what elevate Sen. John McCain above Sen. Barack Obama in the race for the White House. Republican McCain has pushed campaign finance reform and other legislation, even when his party has opposed it. On the campaign trail, he risked his presidential hopes by supporting the then unpopular troop "surge" in Iraq. The surge has led to a dramatic drop in violence and U.S. casualties. The Daily Courier editorial board thinks America needs this mentally tough maverick as its leader as it faces numerous daunting tasks abroad and at home, from terrorists to a tumultuous economy. Democrat Obama is a highly intelligent, well-spoken person who has managed against all odds to break through the racial barrier. However, he simply has not shown in his 11 years in politics (four in the U.S. Senate and seven in the Illinois Senate) the toughness or abilities needed to meet these challenges."