New York Times backs Obama

"After two years of a gruelling campaign, senator Barack Obama has proven that he is the right choice for president. Mr Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the will and the ability to forge the broad political consensus needed to solve this nation's problems. At the same time, senator John McCain has retreated even farther to the fringe of politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so clearly unfit for office was a final act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed his 26 years in congress."