Lorraine Woellert
Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- The largest Spanish-language newspaper in the U.S. endorsed Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, who are seeking their parties' 2008 presidential nominations.
La Opinion, which is the second most-read newspaper in Los Angeles behind the Los Angeles Times, made the endorsement, posted on the newspaper's Web site today, as the candidates campaign toward Feb. 5, when more than 20 states will hold nominating contests.
``Obama's approach to immigration and his inspiring vision are what the country needs to break through the current feeling of political malaise,'' the newspaper wrote.
La Opinion also backed Republican candidate McCain, 71, as ``the voice of reason and common sense'' on immigration. The Arizona senator has drawn the wrath of many fellow Republicans for pushing a plan to give illegal immigrants a way to obtain citizenship after paying fines and other penalties.
McCain's leadership on immigration has made him ``the ideal candidate to change the bitter tone that prevails in Washington,'' La Opinion wrote.
While the newspaper complimented Obama's Democratic rival Senator Hillary Clinton, 60, the Obama endorsement said it was ``disappointed with her calculated opposition'' to allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. The New York senator rejected the idea in November after her state's governor said he wanted to issue licenses.
more The Democratic Party arrives at the California primary with a historic choice between two extraordinary candidates. We believe that of the two, Senator Barack Obama represents fundamental change in a campaign in which "change" has become a central theme. Obama’s approach to immigration and his inspiring vision are what the country need to break through the current feeling of political malaise.
There is no doubt that Senator Hillary Clinton would be an excellent president if elected. She is capable, competent, disciplined, and hard working. She has shown herself to be a talented legislator and is on the right side of the major issues. Her plan for universal health care is one example of the courageous initiatives she has proposed as a candidate. And it would be wonderful to elect the country&*#39;s first woman president.
She has garnered significant Latino support from such influential and high profile national leaders as Raúl Yzaguirre, Henry Cisneros and Antonio Villaraigosa. She has worked tirelessly over many years to represent the best interests of Latinos and her personal commitment has been well-documented throughout this campaign.
Yet, this is a historic moment and tremendous skills and experience are not enough to inspire a feeling of renewal in our country after eight long years of George W. Bush.
As well, we were disappointed with her calculated opposition to driver’s licenses for the undocumented, which contrasts markedly from the forceful argument in support made by Obama. We understand that this is an extremely controversial issue but we believe there is only one right position and it is that of the senator from Illinois. And, while both senators support comprehensive immigration reform, only Obama has committed to bringing forward new legislation during his first year in office.
It is this commitment to the immigration issue which drove Obama to condemn the malicious lies made during the immigration debate, to understand the need for driver’s licenses, and to defend the rights of undocumented students by co-authoring the DREAM Act. The senator has demonstrated character by maintaining his position despite the hostile political climate.
At the same time, there are not huge differences between the two Democractic candidates on most of the major issues. Thus, vision makes the difference! Obama offers an inclusive message of hope that addresses our country&*#39;s historic moment. He has a conciliatory style that can reverse the vicious cycle of rancor which has dominated Washington over these past decades and has paralyzed its ability to come together on major decisións.
We need a leader today that can inspire and unite America again around its greatest possibilities. Barack Obama is the right leader for the time. We know that he is not as well known among our community and while he has the support of Maria Elena Durazo, Senator Gil Cedillo and others he comes to the Latino community with less name recognition. Nevertheless, it is Obama who deserves our support.
By deciding between a woman or an African American as their presidencial nominee, the Democrats are making history. Barack Obama has the sensibilities of a man from humble beginnings raised in a multicultural home. He is the best option for a truly visionary change.
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