GA, Macon Telegraph

http://www.macon.com/203/story/503086.html

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008

Presidential endorsement

This is the final in a series of endorsements for the election which will culminate Nov. 4. Our recommendations are intended to advise, not to tell our readers how they should vote. Our endorsements end today with our recommendation for president of the United States.

When historians explore the 2008 presidential election at some future time after the glow of the moment has worn dim, they will find several history-making moments, most far from the obvious.

Naturally, history will record that the Democratic nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, is one part African American and one part white. In order to win the nomination he had to best one of the most defining political figures of the '90s, Hillary Rodham Clinton. The Republicans responded with a first of their own. Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee, selected a little-known governor from Alaska, Sarah Palin, as his running mate.

But what will be most striking to historians is the resonance of the word "change," but not in the sense that Obama uses the word on the stump. Less than 50 years ago Jim Crow laws enforced de facto segregation in many areas of the country. Now it's very possible that an African American could become the leader of the free world.

America should be proud that two men of character are running to be president of the United States. However, there can be only one. McCain's service to this country is well-documented, and it should be duly honored. However, this is a new day with new challenges. America cannot afford to do business using a 20th century model, and it can't continue the failed policies of the Bush administration. From health care to tax policy to dealing with the reprobates of the world, Sen. Obama's ideas are superior to those of Sen. McCain, whose judgment has been rightly called into question. From his choice of Palin as a running mate to suspending his campaign during the height of the financial meltdown to declaring - in the face of a $700 billion bailout, that the fundamentals of our economy "are sound," - McCain's grip on 21st century realities is questionable.

In the words of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Obama has "style and substance." That substance includes a keen intellect and posture to help him navigate the pressing issues facing our nation. He has a unique ability to inspire cross culturally. He is a living example that there is a new day dawning in the world, and he will make the case that, as usual, America will lead the way. We endorse Sen. Barack Obama.