MA Newspaper Salem News Endorses Barack Obama

[MadBadger]

http://www.salemnews.com/puopinion/local_story_032054930.html?keyword=secondarystory


Our view: Obama best choice for Democrats


In the month since the New Hampshire primary, Americans have had a chance to take a closer look at the presidential candidates. Some have left the field; others have grown stronger.

The Democratic contest is now a race between Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

The best choice for Massachusetts Democrats in Tuesday's primary is Obama, the senator from Illinois.

During the grueling campaign, Obama has shown that he is an honest liberal who makes no apologies for his political philosophy. That stands in stark contrast with Clinton, who once stood to the left of her husband, but now casts herself as a moderate.

Obama has conducted a positive campaign and is a natural leader who exudes charisma and hope.

Yes, Obama is an inspiring speaker, but his campaign needs to move beyond the tagline, "Yes, we can."

Yes we can — do what?

On matters of policy, Obama appeals to the liberal mainstream. He wants to pull most U.S. combat troops out of Iraq, but keep enough troops on hand to strike against any al-Qaida strongholds. He favors talk over saber-rattling with Iran.

On illegal immigration, he wants to boost security at the nation's borders and remove incentives that are drawing illegal immigrants here by cracking down on employers who hire them.

Obama wants to create a national health insurance system that offers the uninsured coverage similar to that enjoyed by members of Congress. Employers who do not provide quality health care for their employees would be taxed a percentage of their payroll to support the national plan.

Obama, elected to the Senate in 2004, does not have a long history in federal office, but he has huge upside potential for Democrats here and elsewhere in the country.