by Christi Parsons
The editorial page of the Chicago Tribune this afternoon endorsed Barack Obama for president, the first time in the newspaper's 161-year history that it has backed the Democratic Party nominee for president.
Comparing the choice to the paper's decision to endorse Abraham Lincoln, the editors called Obama "deeply grounded in the best aspirations of this country" and called for a return to those ideals.
"He has had the character and the will to achieve great things despite the obstacles that he faced as an unprivileged black man in the U.S.," editorial page editor Bruce Dold wrote on behalf of the board, in an editorial posted on the Tribune website this afternoon.
Long a reliable voice for fiscal conservatism and limited government, the editorial board condemned a Republican Party it said has "lost its way."
The editorial argues that Republican John McCain chose a running mate who is "not prepared to step in at a moment's notice and serve as president." In choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to run with him, the board said, McCain put "his campaign before his country."
While describing Obama's tax cut and spending plans as "disappointing," the board charged that neither candidate has given "good, hard, specific information" on bringing the federal budget into line.
"We do, though, think Obama would govern as much more of a pragmatic centrist than many people expect," the editors said.
"He has risen with his honor, grace and civility intact," the editorial says. "He has the intelligence to understand the grave economic and national security risks that face us, to listen to good advice and make careful decisions."
Read the full editorial here, and an account of the editorial page's decision process here.
The Los Angeles Times' editorial board also announced its endorsement of Obama on Friday, marking the newspaper's first endorsement in a presidential election since 1972 and its first endorsement of a Democrat for president.
Like the Tribune, the Times is owned by Tribune Co., though the newspapers have independent editorial boards. Read the L.A. paper's endorsement editorial here
Comments
Wow, an Obambi endorsement from the Trib. Isn't that a surprise?
Posted by: John W | October 17, 2008 4:35 PM
That loud whirring noise you're hearing coming from the direction of Wheaton is Col. McCormick spinning in his grave.
Good Job Editorial Board, thanks for looking past the (R) after a Presidential candidates name for once.
Posted by: JT | October 17, 2008 4:42 PM
Once a great paper, The Chicago Tribune-
Just shows how liberals can ruin a paper and and hope not America-
Posted by: LOAM | October 17, 2008 4:48 PM
Interesting tactic using Facts, reasoned analysis and critical observation to reach a conclusion.
Posted by: jackson | October 17, 2008 4:55 PM
Careful Obama. Don't forget the Chicago Tribune headlines of "Dewey Defeats Truman.". ................
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/10/16/dewey-defeats-truman/
Posted by: Ohg Rea Tone | October 17, 2008 5:04 PM
The republicans have shot themselves in the foot over the last 8 years and they go.......What? You're kidding.
Self-inflicted my friends!
Posted by: bill "Hussein" r. | October 17, 2008 5:06 PM
Once a great paper, The Chicago Tribune-
Just shows how liberals can ruin a paper and and hope not America-
Posted by: LOAM | October 17, 2008 4:48 PM
I think the Swamp should probably look into throwing down some sort of plastic cover on it's floor because we're going to be seeing a lot of crying coming from the Wingnut crowd on this thread over this well earned endorement for Senator Obama.
Poor babies, they had control of congress for 10 of the last 12 years and control of the white house for the last 8 years and they've done nothing but prove that consevatisim is a failed ideology and now they're scared and lashing out.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!
Posted by: DrainYou | October 17, 2008 5:08 PM
161 years without endorsing a Democrat, including NOT endorsing the home state Senator running for President TWICE (Stevenson 52, 56).
How bad a ticket is the McCain/Palin when even the Trib won't endorse them?
Posted by: Mel | October 17, 2008 5:14 PM
And here I've been looking for an excuse to cancel my subscription after the Trib turned itself into USA Today lite. Now that the editors have actually shown some sense, I'll have to keep reading.
Posted by: Peter | October 17, 2008 5:26 PM
The Washington Post & LA Times have also enodorsed Obama.
Drain You above said it best - the GOP has no one to blame but themselves.
Posted by: Radian | October 17, 2008 5:55 PM
The Republican party has become the anti-science, anti-environment, anti-intellectual, anti-government, anti-peace, anti-world party. Why would any mainstream publication endorse more of the same?
Posted by: dt | October 17, 2008 6:52 PM
Tell Sam Zell to not expect ads from Central and Southern IL you people have caused Colonel McCormick to repudiate you from the grave! This will not be forgotten the Trib has lost its roots the party of Lincoln you have sold out to Dick Daley and Dickie Durbin good luck when the Feds close in on Team Blago and your boy Obama. Jerry White, Springfield,IL P.S. Thanks for my comments forgetaboutit you have lost me!
Posted by: Jerry White | October 17, 2008 7:15 PM
Jerry,
I enjoy chuckling at your posts quite often. For the thinking mind (and one who knows the history of the parties), I would say President Obama would be the culmination of the Lincoln party’s ideals, which is now the Democratic Party’s objectives. Do you ever have a feeling that you are on the loosing side of a case?
Posted by: Xcellentform | October 17, 2008 7:42 PM
Sounds like Sam Zell hopped on one of his motorcycles wrong-
Posted by: George | October 17, 2008 7:58 PM
It's interesting to watch the anti-American wing of the Republican party as their heads explode. Finally, after years of koolaid, the intelligent Republicans and waking up. So much for that nonsensical "liberal media" argument, if one of the most conservative papers in North America flips to Obama. So, which newspaper will be next?
And for a current list of all newspaper endorsements, check out Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newspaper_endorsements_in_the_United_States_presidential_election,_2008 (Obama leads 41 to 15, 10.3million circulation to 1.7million)
Posted by: mhigh | October 17, 2008 8:07 PM
The Tribune has been running Obama's dirt digging operation since he announced for Senate - first with Blair Hull and then Jack Ryan - why is this shock from a paper that is in a Blue town, in a blue county, and in a blue state. For those of you that want an idea of what an Obama-Pelosi-Reid gov't will look like, see what Blago-Madigan-Jones has done for Iliinois
Posted by: Terry | October 17, 2008 10:03 PM
This is a huge shift for the conservative Tribune. They didn't endorse Stephen A. Douglas or Adlai Stevenson in two very competitive years. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0oYOI2DeNE for a fresh visualization of the language.
Posted by: Hirsh | October 17, 2008 10:24 PM
Jerry,
It's been a pleasure to have you as the resident comedian here on The Swamp. I will reminisce fondly on the times that I've fallen on the floor laughing at your gut busting blue collar comedy routine.
You will be missed.
Bubba, Idaho
Posted by: Bubba | October 17, 2008 11:11 PM
As a certified liberal born and bred on the north side of Chicago, I'd like to welcome the Chicago Tribune to the other side! Chicago Tribune, you'll find we do things a bit differently here.
.
"Personal responsibility" for us isn't limited to our immediate family members. It means making sure everyone has health care -- everyone has a roof over their heads and food to eat. We like unions -- and public schools and immigrants and people who pray differently and look differently. And oh yeah, progressive taxation for us isn't the end of the world.
.
So it'll take a little time for you to readjust. But we're patient -- and hopeful! After all, it only took two wars, continued vulnerability to terrorist attacks and the "worst financial crisis since the Great Depression" to get you this far. What more could possibly happen to get you the rest of the way?
Posted by: leo | October 18, 2008 2:01 AM
I am very gald that people are jumping behind Obama. Powell should be next. By the way, here is a website I found that shares all the Sarah Palin Pictures and supports Barack Obama!
Posted by: beingajoe | October 18, 2008 6:17 AM
Who will i vote for president ? My first question is , who will protect the U.S of A. ? If the candidates were equal on this , i would have many more questions > Obama reminds me of president Jimmy Carter , a polically correct person , a negotiater first . I remember the Iranians held our hostages for 444 days ! They released them the day president Ronald Reagan was to be inaugrated ! McCain is a military man first ! He will obey by the rules of war . He will win the war! He will capture or kill Osama ! Of course the whole world would rather see Obama as President ! I am a citizen of the U.S. of A. ! I will vote for McCain ! He will negotiate from a position of power ! And the will to use it !
Posted by: BOB DUFAU | October 18, 2008 5:15 PM
Sara Palin , she is her own person ! She has not changed her values , With every media attacking her . True she is leaning on the run , but she is learning ! I would rather have her as president , then Joe Biden who seems to justify all his mistakes .
Posted by: bob dufau | October 18, 2008 5:29 PM
Leo,
I think most people know that things are differently on the North Side. For someone who is in favor of a progressive tax code, why hasn't the Peoples Republic of Illinois adopted one? The flat income tax rate of 3% seems to work well.
Posted by: Terry | October 18, 2008 8:09 PM