By La Crosse Tribune, Wis. Oct. 26--For the first time in more than 50 years, no incumbent or vice president is seeking the presidency of the United States.
One way or another, change is coming. But what type of change?
The La Crosse Tribune endorses Sen. Barack Obama, the Democrat from Illinois, to provide the change in leadership, hope and vision we need to restore faith in our future and restore trust among our world partners.
While we admire and respect the heroism and service of Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee from Arizona, we don't have faith in his ability to be the maverick he wants us to believe he is.
Obama combines the discipline of pay-as-you-go budgeting with plans to reinvest in our crumbling national infrastructure and reduce our carbon emissions by 80 percent by the middle of this century ? a more thoughtful, visionary approach to an energy policy than simply crying, "Drill, Baby, Drill."
The Chicago Tribune ? which had never endorsed a Democrat for president until last week, breaking a streak that includes its endorsement of Abraham Lincoln and the founding of the Republican Party ? said in its endorsement of Obama: "We have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions. He is ready."
Obama's choice of Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as a running mate is instructive ? both for what it says about his character and his self-awareness.
There's something refreshing about a guy blamed for his eloquence who chooses the substance of Biden's experience over the political sizzle of McCain's choice, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Maybe Obama knows his limitations ? and will surround himself accordingly. McCain's campaign lacked focus ? and his choice of a running mate took the political way out.
For all of the criticism of Obama, eloquence is not merely an incidental trait.
It demonstrates his intelligence, the temperament and the measured approach we need to look toward the future and solve problems. During a progressively pointed campaign, he has maintained an even keel and an unflappable demeanor ? the traits we're looking for in a leader.
Gen. Colin Powell knows a great deal about leadership. As Powell watched the vice-presidential selections and the financial meltdown unfold, he said Obama demonstrated "a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge."
But it's more than the intellectual vigor. As Powell said in his endorsement of the Democrat, Obama has "given us a more inclusive, broader reach into the needs and aspirations of our people.
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