Knoxville News Sentinel (TN) Endorses John McCain, Barack Obama

February 3, 2008 -- Editorial
Knoxville News Sentinel

Article continues below...

... [W]e are happy to endorse Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in the Democratic primary and Arizona Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary. Both candidates have demonstrated they have broad appeal and can reach out to opposite sides to help resolve the overriding issues of the day: health care for the 47 million without health insurance; the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and foreign policy in general; the faltering economy; the search for a solid energy policy; and, most important, the future of this proud nation. ...

McCain, at 71, having survived as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, might be considered Obama's exact opposite, but he has shown a remarkable resilience in coming back from having been written off early in the campaign, with primary wins in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.

A recent Wall Street Journal article identified McCain's Republicanism as more Theodore Roosevelt than George W. Bush. We think that, after the last eight years, a majority in the nation will be OK with that. Although some contend he is anti-business, McCain defines his role differently. "I'm not anti-business," he told the Journal. "I'm anti a process that gives them special favors, leverage over average citizens."

Indeed, his votes against legislation preferred by business interests stem from his belief that the government should not play favorites. While he believes the free enterprise system can fix problems, he also believes that government has a role.

With the proposed stimulus package, expect McCain to tout the virtues of a reduction in spending. "It's out-of-control spending that has been a major factor in being where we are today," he said.

We believe McCain and Obama will provide the nation with an excellent opportunity to debate the issues we face over the summer and into next fall's vitally important presidential election.

Source: John McCain campaign