Several U.S. newspapers announced their endorsements for either President Bush or challenger Sen. John Kerry on Sunday, reflecting the nation's divided electorate.
Bush endorsements
Newspapers supporting Bush include the following (excerpts from the endorsements are included):
The Chicago Tribune: “There is much the current president could have done differently over the last four years. ... But for his resoluteness on the defining challenge of our age — a resoluteness John Kerry has not been able to demonstrate — the Chicago Tribune urges the re-election of George W. Bush as president of the United States.”
The Carlsbad Current-Argus, Carlsbad, N.M.: “We believe President Bush should be re-elected because he is better prepared to lead the war on terror. We believe his firm conviction and stalwart stance to pursue the terrorists and destroy them is the only way America can navigate toward a secure tomorrow.”
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Neb.: “This election is an opportunity to demonstrate to terrorists throughout the world that America is not tired of the fight. A vote for George W. Bush will keep in the White House a president who will carry on that fight and do so more forcefully and effectively than his opponent.”
Rocky Mountain News, Denver: “If it weren’t for 9/11, the 2004 presidential campaign would be a weary reprise of the one four years ago, with John Kerry substituting for Al Gore. ... What was different four years ago, of course, is that America was not at war. Now it is, and George W. Bush’s vision for American foreign policy is a major reason we support him.”
The Arizona Republic: “George W. Bush, whose decision following Sept. 11, 2001, to take the war on terrorism beyond America's borders became the defining choice of his presidency, is the necessary choice to move Iraq toward stability and modernity. .... For all his attributes, Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for president, is incapable of setting out a convincing plan of action in Iraq.”
The Dallas Morning News: “To be honest, we wish John Kerry knew where John Kerry stood. .... What's more, aside from indulging in the fantasy that he can persuade the Europeans to contribute to the Iraq effort, Mr. Kerry's Iraq policy is not substantively different from Mr. Bush's. The national security stakes are far too high to risk a return to the indecision of the Carter years. .... Today: We recommend President Bush for re-election.”
The [San Antonio] Express-News: "We recommend George W. Bush for re-election. .... The Bush administration is more likely to remain resolute on the war in Iraq than would an administration headed by his opponent, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts. .... Kerry has not distinguished himself during his 20 years in office, particularly in areas of national security, on which the election rests. He has not demonstrated understanding of issues related to the border, Mexico and South America. He has a running mate with little experience to qualify him for high office."
Kerry endorsements
Newspapers supporting Kerry include the following (excerpts from the endorsements are included):
The New York Times: “We have been impressed with Mr. Kerry’s wide knowledge and clear thinking — something that became more apparent once he was reined in by that two-minute debate light. He is blessedly willing to re-evaluate decisions when conditions change. ... He strikes us, above all, as a man with a strong moral core.”
The Boston Globe: “These are challenging times for any leader. On the signal issues of this campaign — the Iraq war and terrorism — Kerry is up to the challenge. ... He is best suited to heal our painful rifts now — not just with the community of nations but within this nation, rent by social, ideological, economic and religious diversions. These sap the strength of America. We are confident a Kerry presidency will restore both unity and strength.”
The Star Tribune, Minneapolis: “Kerry knows how to effectively join with U.S. allies to leverage the vast power of international will. ... Kerry’s approach demonstrates maturity, nuance and thoughtfulness. Those qualities don’t always play well in campaign sound bites. But they will serve America exceedingly well in the Oval Office.”
Dayton Daily News, Dayton, Ohio: “John Kerry is a credible, prepared, likely choice for a nation that should expect more sophistication, more skill, less failure and more focus on the problems of the American mainstream than George W. Bush has offered.”
Nine newspapers have switched sides, endorsing Kerry this year despite endorsing Bush in 2000, including Bush's hometown Crawford paper, the Lone Star Iconoclast.
Previously announced Kerry endorsements include the Philadelphia Daily News, the Detroit Free Press, The Seattle Times, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Arizona Daily Star and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Seven Florida newspapers, two Ohio dailies and four Minnesota papers announced their support for Kerry over the weekend; those are three of the states identified as battleground states whose electoral votes could be pivotal to victory on Nov. 2.