Tuscaloosa News picks Barack Obama

The Tuscaloosa News in the Feb. 5 state of Alabama has endorsed Barack Obama today as Democratic nominee.

"We endorse McCain, Obama as party nominees"

"On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Alabama voters have an opportunity to help change the course of history by selecting a candidate for president who will redirect the nation to an era of progress, peace and prosperity."

We believe Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama offer the best hope among the candidates for effective, positive leadership.

We disagree with McCain on many issues of domestic policy and we were disappointed to see him strongly back President Bush on this country's tragic and failed course in Iraq.

Yet we feel that McCain stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Republican field in terms of stature, honesty and character. He speaks his mind and doesn't try to hide his positions behind a cloud of rhetoric. He actively engages critics, seeking real dialog on issues.

He is a thoughtful, experienced and intelligent public servant. A level-headed man, he would avoid involving our country in future debacles.

The looming recession will demand a president who is dedicated to fiscal responsibility. McCain has a strong record as a critic of earmarking and a champion of budgetary restraint.

He's tough, smart and shoots straight. He would never dishonor the high office that he seeks.

Obama, at the other end of the age spectrum - he will be 47 on election day, as opposed to McCain's 70 - is a breath of fresh air in American politics. He holds a special appeal to younger voters, who see him as an agent for change from the dreary politics-as-usual in Washington.

At the same time, he has leadership qualities beyond his years. He is a brilliant and persuasive speaker. He is a unifier who honestly hopes to break the capital's partisan gridlock. And while some of his rivals for the nomination have more years of experience, Obama has quickly learned the territory in his relatively short time in Washington.

As a member of the 109th Congress, he co-sponsored the enactment of conventional weapons control and transparency legislation. He made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

In the 110th Congress, he sponsored legislation on lobbying and electoral fraud, climate change, nuclear terrorism and care for returned military personnel.

As a candidate for president, he has advocated ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence, and providing universal health care as major items on his agenda.

There is much to be said for (and against) his main challenger Hillary Clinton. But after four years of George H.W. Bush as president, followed by eight years of Bill Cinton, followed by eight years of George Bush, most Americans would prefer a fresh face in the White House, someone who can move away from the cycle of partisan warfare that these two families have furthered.

That person, we believe, is Barack Obama.