February 1, 2008
Posted: 06:40 PM ET
The LA Times endorsed Obama and McCain Friday .
The LA Times endorsed Obama and McCain Friday .

(CNN) – Barack Obama and John McCain Friday won the backing of the Los Angeles Times, one of the most-read newspapers in the United States and most influential in delegate-rich California.

In separate editorials, the paper praised Obama as an "inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering," and McCain as a consistent conservative with "fundamental individualism."

Both presidential endorsements are the paper’s first since 1972.

"[Obama] electrifies young voters, not because he is young but because he embodies the desire to move to the next chapter of the American story," the editorial read. "He brings with him deep knowledge on foreign relations and on this nation's particular struggles with identity and opportunity. His flair for expression, both in print and on the stump, too easily leads observers to forget that Obama is a man not just of style but of substance."

The paper also praised Hillary Clinton, but faulted the New York senator for her original Senate vote authorizing use of force in Iraq.

"Experience has value only if it is accompanied by courage and leads to judgment. Nowhere was that judgment more needed than in 2003, when Congress was called upon to accept or reject the disastrous Iraq invasion. Clinton faced a test and failed, joining the stampede as Congress voted to authorize war," the editorial read.

On John McCain, the liberal editorial board noted it disagrees with many of his stands on social issues, but wrote, "The Arizona senator's conservatism is, if not always to our liking, at least genuine.

"It reflects his fundamental individualism, spanning his distrust of big government, his support for immigration reform and his insistence on a sound American foreign policy," the editorial read.

California voters head to the polls Super Tuesday, February 5.

– CNN Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John McCain


carolyn   February 6th, 2008 2:12 am ET

Women, women, women. We are our own worst enemy. Jealosy or spite, we take no delight in our sisters sucess because it shines a bright light on our own failures to do something to succeed. What a shame.

carolyn   February 6th, 2008 2:05 am ET

Newspapers are an outdated method of communication. When they throw one in my driveway, it goes right to the recycle bin. TV Commentators they aren't journalists, they are the equivalent of monkeys who are told to put the cog in the machine. They don't do research on issues because that might involve …work!, and they alone will be responsible for sinking the Obama ship because if he is the party nominee, they neglected to spotlight some of his weaknesses and believe me the Republican party, who is promoting him as much as his supporters won't hesitate to bring all his dirty laundry out for all to see. They know he will be taken down when they hit him with the Rezko crap 2 seconds after he wins the party nomination and you can set your watch to that prediction. By that time, Hillary – our best chance of winning the White House – will already have been excluded and McCain or Huckabee or Romney will be looking for the key to move in. Go ahead, set your clock!

Jim673   February 4th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Just a note to the wise. If Obama is the nominee, it's my intention to show my displeasure by voting for a leader that I know and that I feel that I can trust. McCain. If not McCain then Romney has a record that can be looked at and jugged. No do nothing no nothing with no experience Obama come lately for me, thank you. I know many people that feel the same way. The DNC really let us all down by letting this dude in the race. I for one don't intend on forgetting it. Weather he wins or not! There needs to be a change alright. A change at the DNC to start. We need experienced candidates so we don't have to face a situation like this. I want to see a record going back 15 or 20 yrs. Mostly in public office or in public service of some kind! Something! Not nothing but a real estate lawyer and 2 or 3 yrs in the senate with a questionable record! Just not good enough! NO!!

Herb Souza   February 4th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

WHY ARE THE ROMNEY IS SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY AGANIST CLINTON
AND NOT MC CAIN…HE IS NOT RUNNING AGAINST HER!!!!!!
DO YOU THINK THAT IF OBAMA WIN THEY KNOW THEY CAN GET ELECTED
BECAUSE HE WILL NOT HAVE THE EXPERINCE.AND IT IS VERY INPORTANT
TO KNOW .WE ARE PUTTING SONEONE TO TAKE CONTROL OF WHAT IS RUIN
FOR US …..NOW WE HAVE A CHANCE TO START TO GET OUT OF A DEEP HOLE
AND PUT US IN THE GREEN FOR OUR FINANCIAL WEFARE!!!!!!!!

Hillphil   February 3rd, 2008 8:48 am ET

LA Times don't care about our soldiers lives in Iraq.
McCain is an extension of George Bush whom is responsible for more American deaths in Iraq than the terrorist of 911.

GRACE, SUN CITY CENTER, FL   February 3rd, 2008 6:49 am ET

ANOTHER NEWSPAPER… THAT CAN'T DECIDE IF THEY
ARE FOR THE WAR OR AGAINST IT. GO FIGURE.

30%er   February 3rd, 2008 5:42 am ET

how surprising, not

Veronica Ward   February 2nd, 2008 10:43 pm ET

MORE FACTS ABOUT HILLARY CLINTON

I hope more and more people see the light of day:

Hillary's claim to "35 years of experience." Subtract her years spent as first lady of Arkansas and in the White House, and her time working as a lawyer in the Rose Law Firm and in other jobs.

As Reason Magazine's Steve Chapman reported in November, Hillary Clinton has "just under eight years of experience in elective office — one more than John Edwards and four fewer than Obama." And, to boot, Hillary the Feminist has her man to fight her battles.

MK ny, ny   February 2nd, 2008 8:01 pm ET

correction: he is born loser that is why he is stay in chicago
______________________________________________________
Norrie B Harris February 2, 2008 4:43 pm ET

He is a born leader – Obama is going to the White House.

Norrie B Harris   February 2nd, 2008 4:43 pm ET

He is a born leader – Obama is going to the White House.

cristina   February 2nd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Stop saying yes we can Obama people. What does that mean anyway? Obama is full of hot air. Just words no action. I am sick of it!!!!argh!!!

GO HILLARY
Latina voting for Hillary 08!

Sharon   February 2nd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Media stop what you are doing – dirt on Clintons

I watched most of it on factchecks.org and similar – Apparently is its not correct

Joe Gaines   February 2nd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

How interesting that so many people are still willing to go down the same old road with Hillary when half the country say they will not vote for her under any circumstance its like a old comfortable pair of shoes with a hole in them you just hate to change Go Obama.

brian   February 2nd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Ron Paul is going to shake up this race after Super Tuesday since he will be the only one left against McCain. Romney and Huckabee will both be out of money and support, and will drop out within days. This leaves the Republicans to chose between the liberal McCain and the only true conservative of the bunch, the Tax Payers Best friend every year running, Dr. NO Himself – Ron Paul.

Tim   February 2nd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Sorry, the song is by conway twitty and Loretta Lyn

Laura, California   February 2nd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Someone said "CNN be fair" implying that they are unfairly offering more coverage of Obama than Clinton. Well, all you have to do is look under "categories" and you will see that next to "Hillary Clinton" there are 769 articles and next to Obama there are 652, over 100 less. So I agree, CNN be fair!

Nobama   February 2nd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Obama Kids, spare your time to educate yourself on THE ISSUES and realize how weak your candidate is. Snobbish Snobama doesn't deserve all those hooplas!

HIllary all the way to the White House!

Phil   February 2nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

CNN and FOX news are more of the same- No truth

ANTI CLINTONS   February 2nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

If you vote for McCain your will turn this country back 30 years farther! We have a war monger president, what difference would McCain do? nothing at all.He would just be the gate keeper of the same that is going on now. I beleive it would even worse.

McCain is a mad old man, he gets upset if someone doesn't like what he says and takes it as a personal attack, just like the libs do. Hitlery is the prime example.
A vote for McCain is a vote for Hitlery, he is the best friend for the libs.

Tom Daschle asked him to cross party lines, he doesn't know anything about the economy. He swears at people when he goes off and that isn't what we need with a guy like him with his finger on the nukes.

He has his goon Hickupbee getting votes away from Romney so he will keep the most qualified person to lead this nation. We need Romney to help this country move ahead, not the same thing we are going through right now. McCain is a war monger and worse than Bush is or ever would be.

Vote for Romney, he is honest and McCain and Hickupbee are not honesty at all.

Romney!

Angela   February 2nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Good job LA Times.
Dems are going to win in November!!!!!!
Go Dems ALL THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE.

Question for everyone:
Who will be McCains running mate if he wins??

If Hillary, Obama or Edwards team up which I think they will – the Republicans will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat, who will it be??
Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Dave   February 2nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Throw away the labels. Just try that . Then take a new, thoughtful look at the candidates and see who you think is best. When is the last time you tried that? Take out Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative, religious right, media bias, corporate influence, television presence and spin and all of that.

Don't act so surprised that there are people trying to influence your vote. That is what they do. It starts when you begin listening to them.

Follow your own mind and heart and do what is best for you, your family and your nation. Remove the other stuff and just think for a little bit.

Elections don't highlight the challenges we face, they hide them – behind rhetoric and hyperbole. We all agree this country is not what it used to be. Let's start there. Who can fix things? Who wants to? Who is willing to support them? Does that end once you pull the lever?

Remove the labels, vote your conscience, and then put down the party colors and come together. We haven't done that in a while, and that makes all those who would influence you more successful when we don't. We're not informed, we're directed.

For the record, I don't know who I'm voting for yet.

I'm still thinking.

Dee Ward Mena, AR   February 2nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

We all know that the LA Times is a republican paper. The only reason they are endorsing obama is because they want him to win because they think the republicans can beat him and they know they can't beat Senator Clinton. It is obvious why so many republicans are backing obama. The Clinton Democrats aren't dumb enough not to see through their underhanded plan.

greet bauwens belgium   February 2nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

OBAMA 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Ahmed   February 2nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

I am from Saudi Arabia. I was listening to Mr. Obama speaches last 4 months. He is amazing. I w'd clasify him as "National Treasure" He is rare. I wish we had great leader like Obama in Arab World.

MAD   February 2nd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Obams's campaign is spamming people's personal email addresses with insider information as to who's name is on the account! Who is selling this information to them?

Jon, Los Angeles   February 2nd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Good judgement by LA Times! Obama is the right one for the presidency at this time when judgement outweighs experience.

John   February 2nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Of course they endorse McCain…

Incredible… I felt something was way wrong, and it’s finall dawned on me what it is.

The Republicans are really being played for fools…

Take a man (McCain) who is liberal and has spoken of changing over to the Democrat Party in the past. He knows he can count on the liberals support and endorsements if he runs Republican, and that’s a big plus. How many calls and late night dinners did it take? McCain knew if he went against Hillary/Obama on the Democrat ticket, he would just be another candidate and wouldn’t have a chance.

And here’s the beauty of the strategy – a liberal (Democrate at heart) running and winning on the Republican ticket with liberal endorsements, and of course the Independents he can count on because he is liberal… faces Hillary/Obama as a peer … a party nomination winner.

What genius – what deceit – he has a better chance at the White House with this strategy and there is the added bonus of destroying the Republican Party as well as Rush says.

What a guy… Republicans, you better wake up before it’s too late.

God help us – People… please, for the sake of our country and our party – VOTE ROMNEY !!

Real Change   February 2nd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Let’s analyze the candidate’s campaign for change;
Hillary’s idea of change is having a woman as president, but reliving the past as she continues to remember the nineties. Continue to keep the same old way of doing business in Washington. Claiming to finally have the answer to health care which is only an untested idea on paper not knowing weather it will work or not and requiring you to buy into her plan. Taking away the ability of people to make their own choice and leaving it up to someone to decide for us. Is this not just an idea of hope? Just as she stated in the debate the other night when asked if she would have the troops out of Iraq in her first year, he r response was I hope so. Yet she stated in an earlier debate that hope isn’t a strategy.

Obama’s idea of change is to change the way we do business in Washington to move the country into a new direction. To provide health care for everyone who wants it and to allow those who already have coverage to make it more affordable for them while still allowing us to make our own choices. To unite not only America but the rest of the world so we can have a better world to live in.

I for one have already lived yesterday and know I can’t go back to change what has already happened.
Now it’s time I live for tomorrow which is the future, for which Obama is looking towards and beyond unlike Hillary’s idea of doing twentieth century politics in the twenty first century. America needs to finally move forward and support the person willing to lead us into the future not the past.
Hillary for once was………..
Barack for what will be………

Marti San Diego, CA   February 2nd, 2008 12:02 pm ET

How about an endorsement of a candidate's ability to flat out lead and deliver results.

Here’s what the CEO of one of the businesses Romney helped said about Romney’s LEADERSHIP:

Boston, MA – Today, Staples Founder Thomas Stemberg released the following statement regarding Governor Romney’s record of growing businesses and creating jobs:

“At this critical time for our economy, the United States needs a leader in Washington who actually has a record in the private sector of creating jobs. That leader is Mitt Romney. He knows what it takes to create jobs because he has done it time and time again. As a businessman, Governor Romney took a chance and invested in the first Staples store. Today, tens of thousands of Staples employees across this country have jobs because of that decision. That’s a clear record of action that Mitt Romney repeated time after time. Washington needs leaders who can do more than just talk about creating jobs.”

Roger   February 2nd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Barack Obama made the statement in campaigning the other day that he was more electable because Hillary Clinton supporter will vote for him in the general election if he becomes the Democratic nominee but that the Barack Obama supporter will not vote for Hillary Clinton if she is the Democratic nominee.

Well unless he retracts that statement immediately in this fast paced election, for this Hillary Clinton supporter who for party unity and so did not want more Bush Whitehouse years made that statement true is now here by giving notice that it is no longer true. If I do not hear not only a retraction of this statement and a encouragement by Barack Obama for his supporters to vote Democrat no matter who ends up getting the nod as the Democratic nominee I will be setting out this election if Obama wins the nominee! He went way to far! If he waits till the convention to get all unity mode it will be to late for me! Lets see if Barack Obama wins any better without the support of the Hillary Clinton supporter then Hillary would without the support of the Barack supporters!

William   February 2nd, 2008 11:49 am ET

America, wake up. John McCain has served his country. It is time for him to step down, and let new people take over. He spent 25 years in Senate! Enough is enough.

AZDem   February 2nd, 2008 11:45 am ET

If I hear one more programmed Obama-ton waxing poetic about 'change' I'm going to yak all over my keyboard. Sure, Obama's some nicely packaged charisma voicing a few words of visionary rhetoric. Too bad there's not much substance there. Experience has been a touch word, but let's try a new one: Leadership. Obama has spent three years in the Senate and has not done anything except pursue his presidential bid and show up occasionally to toss in a vote. Sure he's very successful at running for whatever office he's pursuing at the moment, but he has NOT been a leader of the party.
What makes you people think he will suddenly buck up and be an effective leader of a nation????

Michael   February 2nd, 2008 11:19 am ET

My wife and I marched against the war at large rallies in Hollywood and downtown L.A. before Bush even started the mess. I don't remember anything anti-war from the Times. I don't remember the Times ever showing the anti-war vision that it now faults Hillary for not having. I don't understand the hypocrisy.

Just like I don't understand the Democrats who would vote for a determined hawk like McCain rather than vote for Hillary.

JohnS   February 2nd, 2008 11:09 am ET

SOME OF THE DEMS, like the Clintons, NEVER LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES!!!

I really believe that it is going to take the active support of Hillary for the DEMS to lose the White House again; Remember Gore and Kerry? How short minded can the Dems really be in this nation. Gore and Kerry (each a stronger candidate than Hillary) were the "accidents" of the Clintons– The Dems lost each time!!!!!

Currently, the Dems are celebrating the "huge number of voters" out there for them because of the Independents (like myself), moderate Republicans, and young voters that have been brought onboard by Obama. Let us wait until the Dems put up Hillary as the nominee and the "voting pool" will run dry!!

This is yours Dems to lose again; it always takes the Clintons for the Dems to lose the White House or to deal with issues of moral corruptions!!!

WISE and Intelligent Dems should simply stay AWAY from the Clintons; they are the source of "curse" for the Dems!!!!

No Clinton, not even Bill, can ever restore the ECONOMIC fortunes of the past; the conditions of the past (e.g., Internet bubble) that made that happen are simply NOT there today. The Clintons burnt their bridges BEFORE they left (in disgrace), the White House!!! And guess what? Hillary has been making stronger enemies since!

The Clintons should simply GO away. We know Bill has been preparing for Hillary to be president since he was president. Why do you think she was the Secretary of the nation's HealthCare project that eventually failed? Equally, Hillary will focus on getting Chelsea ready for the White House. What is this nation up to?

The failure of a Hillary presidency (which will certainly happen, given the history of the Clintons) will be a major setback for women (and other minorities) for generations to come!!!

Rachel   February 2nd, 2008 11:09 am ET

Any endorsement for Obama is a decision well made, as far as I'm concerned. I was able to vote for the first time in 2000 and felt devastated when I saw the state of Florida turn from blue to red. I simply couldn't understand. And years later while traveling abroad in Scotland I had no good answer when a friend stared at a map of the U.S. and said, "Why would they put Bush on the throne again?"

Then came Barack Obama. Whether you do or do not like the man, he's going to be force in American politics and he's about to change the trajectory of the country. I agree with those who say he's not only got style, he's got substance.

Karen   February 2nd, 2008 10:40 am ET

EE, yes it is times' first endorsement, but thats because the times has pruposely followed a policy of not endorsing anyone since a bit of scandal where one of the publishers was a little too close to Nixon. If you actually read the times then you would know.

Jose G.   February 2nd, 2008 10:27 am ET

Well, I just QUIT my subscription to the LA Times.

A Real American   February 2nd, 2008 10:10 am ET

Wow. Oprah Winphrey, Michelle Obama, AND Caroline Kennedy all in California at the same time??!! Man, plus Teddy Kennedy is out there single handedly grabbing up major Latino support for Obama, in effect snatching it out of the grip of the Clintons ? YES!

While the Clintons may try to lay "claim" to the African American vote because of what they "did" for blacks, they can lay no such claim to Latinos. That is TEDDY KENNEDY exclusive territory. That man is like God to them. Watch and see what happens in California. All Hillary has going for her in California is the women vote to secure her victory. However, she is now being overshadowed by Carolyn Kennedy AND Ophrah Winphrey? PLUS, Obama has a spouse (Michelle) that people LOVE.

Super Tuesday is going to deliver results for Obama that is going to have people scratching their heads. I predict that out of the 22 states, he will win 14.

Chris   February 2nd, 2008 8:22 am ET

It would be a shame to see Hilary get to the white house and encounter gridlock and resistance that she doesn't have the willingness or ability to overcome. She's too entrenched.

Of all the candidates only Barack – with a focus on finding common ground and moving forward – giving no energy to negativity or divisions – can help turn us around.

charlene   February 2nd, 2008 8:18 am ET

Obama is all fluff rhetoric. We need a real person that will be ready and RIGHT
for the position of President of the U.S. and that person is HILLAR CLINTON!

tonymursalim   February 2nd, 2008 7:44 am ET

USA needs a genuine president i.e. barack or mc cain who says what his heart says not a great pretender, smiling with no reason only to make people happy.

xxx   February 2nd, 2008 12:50 am ET

Have you read the book "THE RISE AND FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE"? Well that book doesnt have to be written if the Americans vote the right candidate. Its time for CHANGE.

OBAMA ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

media full of it   February 1st, 2008 11:12 pm ET

i'm SO sick of the media distorting the news to suit their preference (cnn and nbc/msnbc (SO pro-obama it's sickening!). and they keep giving free air time to obama – maybe not breaking the letter of equal time laws but certainly the spirit of them – rerunning his statements and their michelle obama interview over and over with highly positive comments, then giving just snippets of hillary and attaching negative comments. and they keep picking out the polls that make it look closer than it is. they're just such obvious shills that i can't believe anyone believes them. surely americans aren't stupid enough to believe this crap! of course, i expect this to go to moderation like my other posts critical of cnn.

Nick in Atlanta   February 1st, 2008 10:50 pm ET

This story tells me two things:

1. Voting for Obama is clearly the right step. He's a man of honor and ambition and he is the real promise of a better tomorrow! A vote for Obama is a vote for the safety of our country!

2. I need to start reading the LA Times! They are not as biased as other media seems to be!

veronica lynne   February 1st, 2008 10:48 pm ET

He's in for a big disappointment.
People make up their own minds. They don't let newspapers, politicians or celebrities make up theitr minds for them.

we three   February 1st, 2008 10:46 pm ET

barack obama we are proud to have you for our next president, we love you

Alice in Florida   February 1st, 2008 10:43 pm ET

Gina – you're wrong – if Barack was there at the time, he would have voted "present."

freckles   February 1st, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Who cares who endorses who. I care about issues. And Hillary explained twice last night during the debate this whole war issue and why she voted how she voted. But Obama, he's got to play it to the hilt! Because he has absolutely nothing else to bark about! I never saw anyone stammer on his words as much as he does and sings the same song over and over again.
Americans should be smart enough not to vote for just one issue. I'm so proud to be on her side! Her voice has been heard! Go Hillary!

Peter   February 1st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Any endorsement is great for Obama.
I for one will still like Obama to have Hillary as his Vice President, they can work together and Bill will have no chance to mingo with the new government.

Vote Obama for demograts please, there is something special in him. Can't you see? Please give him a chance and you will soon realized when he face the Rep. He will prevail and win big for the democrats.
Vote Obama because is Bam ….
Obama 08!

marc   February 1st, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Go Obama, you are the one we are waiting for so long. you can change this country. keep the good work. you were absolutly terrific last night.

GO OBAMA!!!!!!!

GA Demo   February 1st, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Follow Florida lead….. vote for Hillary Clinton to show these bias media what Americans really want. Go Hillary, Florida got it right.

felix yaroshevsky   February 1st, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Clintons are on sale – "2 for 1″ type of merchandise;
Obama – 'all IN one' – not for sale.

James Recto   February 1st, 2008 9:14 pm ET

CNN is still biased against CLINTON. Please be fair CNN! Don't fall into FOX New's category! CNN should put DOBBS as the head of CNN and maybe, just maybe CNN will stop drifting in the wrong direction.

Mario   February 1st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Still find it hard to believe that someone (Obama) with great ideas but no real plan of executing them could be endorsed by this great newspaper. Clinton will win California!!

Chicago votes for Hillary!!!!!   February 1st, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Hillary is the winner !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My vote will go to Mrs Clinton !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn   February 1st, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Polls don't matter….they do not include the undecided, Independents or people whio switch parties for the primary or caucus. They also do not poll anyone who does not have a landline.

Just will have to wait for the votes which is the way it should be.

Opong   February 1st, 2008 6:36 pm ET

I am a Ugandan, and even I agree with the LA Times, particularly their basis for the Obama endorsement. Sadly, I am still waiting for any of the candidates to add their voice to the Kenyan situation. It might be premature and unfavorable to campaign strategy, but this is a matter of importance to Africa; it will show what candidate is interested in the continent.

John, NC   February 1st, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Hillary was endorsed by Heida Fleiss and Castro.

Tim   February 1st, 2008 6:36 pm ET

I can't believe all these people still on the Clinton bandwagon, as well as the women voting for Clinton soley on the merit that she is woman. Do your homework people.

Down with dynasties. No more Clintons or Bush's. I am so tired of her overused line, it took a Clinton to clean up the first Bush…This entire country needs a huge shift in thinking.

Obama 08′.

E.M.   February 1st, 2008 6:36 pm ET

I work in Dallas, TX as a caseworker and work with many groups of people in the urban community. I am a white woman my husband is a Iraq war veteran. I think Obama has what it takes to inspire the people I serve who come from all backgrounds and races looking for leadership and honesty. I am proud that Obama can cross racial lines for unity, stick up for veterans and he more than once spoke out against the war in 2002 and not just in Chicago.

Obama 08 from Dallas, TX!

Sherry in Kentucky   February 1st, 2008 6:36 pm ET

This is awesome news! Can't you feel change in the air? His momentum is building. I am so proud of my country. I haven't said that in a while.

Frank   February 1st, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Ah, just look into the reasoning behind why L.A. Times endorsed Barack Obama. They state his "deep knowledge of foreign relations"!!!! This is truely a joke when we all know how many times he has met with world leaders, how many times he has travelled to foreign engagements, and how many times he visited Iraq. NOT! And they say the reason that they did not endorse Clinton is because of her vote on the Iraq war; and then they endorse McCain who did vote for the Iraq war!!! I guess readers get the picture! Next time you go to a news stand, compare the left over pile of L.A. Times and that of other more reputable newspapers. Truely amazing!!!!

Dem08   February 1st, 2008 6:33 pm ET

I am tired of the vote on war issue also. For a canidate that wants to look ahead, Obama can not get over the past( and some others also. Americans overwhealmingly supported this war in the beginning and this rush to critize is hypocritical. Also, when asked in 2004, Obama stated that if he would have been in the Senate, he may have voted the same way. Its funny how he has now moved away from that statement. This man will do anything to get elected. The debate last night proved once and for all that Clinton has a greater command of the issues that effect Americans and has the best plan to restore America to her greatness.

Hillary 08

Charles T, VA   February 1st, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Oh my goodness here comes the Obama haters…1 …2…3…go!

Pots calling kettles black..Hillary really taught you guys well.

raul   February 1st, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Obama wins either on super tuesday, or more likley the next 4-6 weeks when he takes 80% of the states in feb/march. He is gaining some real momentum and people, lot of people getting behind him. The longer this drags out, the better for Obama in my opinion. Let the games begin.

CHERYL   February 1st, 2008 5:56 pm ET

HILLARY CLINTON 2008! SHE WILL WIN JUST LIKE SHE DID IN FLORIDA!

Jess   February 1st, 2008 5:54 pm ET

A well deserved endorsement by a well respected newspaper. This is going to be huge in California. I read the Times so I know. Congratulations Obama.

Paul   February 1st, 2008 5:54 pm ET

A think a good choice and an interesting matchup for the presidency. However, I still think John Edwards would have been more effective.

EE   February 1st, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Watch out Hillary we're gaining on you! An influential newspaper's first presidential
endorsement since 1972?

EE

Peggy, Greensboro NC   February 1st, 2008 5:53 pm ET

I don't think Obama is perfect. I don't even agree with him on every issue. No human being is perfect. But I am relatively sure he has the interests of the country at heart instead of self glorification. NO MORE OF THE OLD GUARD

David   February 1st, 2008 5:53 pm ET

now it is obama time. he will sweep the election. no doubt, just wait for some days.

mommyof3inGA   February 1st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Bravo, L.A. Times!!!! Great call on Obama. You echo his supporters' sentiments [from all ages, races, income groups and backgrounds] exactly…. THANK YOU! =)

CURTIS   February 1st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I'm Curtis Madison and I approve this messege)

My vote goes to Curtis Madison he is what this country needs, he's in shape smart and better looking than all the other canidates combined. He will bring the toughness and the intestinial fortitude back to the presidency. Unlike these old weaklings they got running now. My choice is clear and it's Madison. 2012.

Madison in 2012!

(paid for by C. Madison for President 2012)

Stacy Clarks, Texas   February 1st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

OBAMA/EDWARDS 08!!

David Suttle   February 1st, 2008 5:49 pm ET

This article couldn't be more on point! I agree wholoeheartedly.

Richard Rote (California)   February 1st, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Latinos for Obama!

Women for Obama!

Asians for Obama!

Whites for Obama!

Blacks for Obama!

Unity! Unity! Unity! No more division!

The future not the past!!

catherine   February 1st, 2008 5:47 pm ET

I believe it is great about all the new young voters coming to the campaign but I am so sick of being regarded as "the past" – I am only 50 am I suppose to be put out to pasture. I say welcome to the new voters but give us "old timers" some respect. I would like to hear someone on the campaign trail to ask why being a babyboomer is such a bad thing? I am still very active in the political world and will continue to be so don't throw us overboard!!! I will vote democrat regardless of the candidate but I would like the Obama campaign to stop acting like the over 45 crowd is not relevant.

Dan   February 1st, 2008 5:47 pm ET

This is shaping up to be a historic election. Hillary, Obama and McCain are all good candidates, and I would be proud to call any of them my president. Hopefully Romney will be out of the race by this time next week.

Tony   February 1st, 2008 5:46 pm ET

As an independent and a vote I am constantly surprised that newspaper think we value their opinions. I watched the debate last night and I was leaning towards Obama but what I saw did not impress me. As a professor of debate here in Colorado it seems like he studders and has a hard time elaborating ideas on the run. We we measure debates there is one main idea that should determine who wins…That is, preparation…Although some people may be turn off by overly prepared statements people who often serve as debate judges often will agree that people who seem prepare do better in convincing in their argument. Barack does not seem prepare and I suspect that is why he has to stutter and seems little compared to Hillary. For what its worth as an Independent voter I am very impressed with Hillary's preparation. I wish she would be a debate teacher.

emily   February 1st, 2008 5:46 pm ET

I think that McCain and Obama are popular for the same reason: both seem genuine and honorable. There's not enough of that in modern politics.

Obama '08!

DRW   February 1st, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Yeah for the LA TIMES!! I'm glad that they realized Obama's integrity and judgement is what our country needs for the future. We have had 20 years of clintons and bushes. Its time for someone else to get a chance. Out with the old, and in with the new.

Barack and roll!

Obama '08

Family in Parkville   February 1st, 2008 5:45 pm ET

OBAMA'08 ! AMERICA IS AWAKENING !!!

Jimmy O   February 1st, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Go LA Times! Reject the Clinton dynasty. Vote Obama! Vote McCain!

matt   February 1st, 2008 5:45 pm ET

In other words, the LA Times wants Obama for president.

hb4ever   February 1st, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Go Obama '08!

Jim   February 1st, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Give me a break! Authorized the war? They were fed false evidence by the Bush administration. Obama would have voted for it too…had he been a senator. The only reason he's able to say he didn't vote for it is because he was sitting in the state senate for Illinois…they didn't get a vote.

LakeShore   February 1st, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Unexpected, but fantastic!

Michelle   February 1st, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Obama '08!

I believe this man will do wonders for the morale/stature of our country. Given that, who knows what great things can happen?

Dan, NJ   February 1st, 2008 5:42 pm ET

The Obama peace is a great read.

BTW, I am happy to report a poll conducted from January 30-31 showed that HRC's lead in NJ, 16 points about 1 week ago, is now just 6. NJ, like so many other states is IN PLAY.

I will be volunteering tomorrow and I urge every Obama supporter to try to convince 5 people to vote for Obama during your weekend.

Norman   February 1st, 2008 5:42 pm ET

These endorsments have little impact in the larger spectrum. However, as an Obama fan from across the pond I find his take on politics to be refreshing and hope our leaders follow suit. I want him to be elected to the White House.

Do me proud America!!

08ama!!

dawn   February 1st, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Great! I am way out here in a little tiny town in Missouri and We are voting for Mr. Obama becaue he has outlined his political views clearly and he has United all the races and genders. Obama/Edwards 08

Rob   February 1st, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Obama is tightening his grip :o ! He pulls this off, it will truly be epic….

Mohammad, LA CA   February 1st, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Seems like everyone whose everyone is endorsing Obama. Shame if he loses, really.

tomdavie   February 1st, 2008 5:37 pm ET

excellent endorsement for Senator Mc Cain.

Mc Cain 08

Mc Cain also got the New York times endorsement .

This means everyone who reads the LA times must NOW VOTE FOR MC CAIN AND OBAMA.

Xavier, Washington, DC   February 1st, 2008 5:37 pm ET

There's a tidal wave coming through. Get your surfboards and ride the wave.

Obama 08

S Williams   February 1st, 2008 5:36 pm ET

The most important vote of HER lifetime – and she got it wrong.

Three thousand lives lost .
Millions of Iraqis displaced or killed.
Increased presence of Al Qaida in Iraq.
Hundreds of billions of dollars and counting.
Federal deficit now out of control because of this war.

But to say, 'oh, I didn't think George Bush would attack Iraq".

Then that shows lousy judgement on the most important vote of our lifetime.

mike   February 1st, 2008 5:36 pm ET

In other News: The Constitution endorses Ron Paul!

Al, Sacramento Ca   February 1st, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Just in case it doesn't show up on CNN, today's Denver Post's endorsement of Hillary Clinton!!

CNN is starting to look like a FOX to me!!

CA Democrat   February 1st, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Obama gets LA Times. Clinton gets Coulter. Edge Obama.

Casey   February 1st, 2008 5:34 pm ET

I am a LA Times supporter. Big endorsement for Obama- congratulations to him, but it probably will not translate into many votes.

(I can't withhold my irritation with CNN for not making a big deal when NYTimes endorsed Hillary.)

s.b.   February 1st, 2008 5:34 pm ET

The LA Times is owned by the Chicago Herald Tribune. Mama bear Tribune Co. likes to fire editors there that don't tow the line. There is no surprise or objectivity in that endosement and it could have been predicted a year ago.

EE   February 1st, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Obama is growing wild with endorsements. If this guy wins the nomination McCain cannot even come close to competing with him bc the messages will be diametrically opposite and distinct. McCain who is bad in debates will lose his temper and maybe throw in the F word

Gina   February 1st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

I hate that people keep bringing up Clinton's vote to go to war. At the time 80% of the country was ready to go to war. the fact that we now know it was the wrong decision does not make Clinton anti-war. Obama says he would have never gone to war. Of course because he wasn't in the senate at the time and he was not privy to any of the information that the senate had. Guaranteed had he been in the senate he would have voted to go to war most in the senate.

And let's not forget the vote by the senate was not to go to war. It was a vote to that allowed or authorized the president to use force if necessary. The vote was not pro-war.

Papers and everyone else need to stop with the endorsements and let the people decide.

Natasha B   February 1st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

OBAMA IN 2008!

Honesty, integrity, sound judgement and the ability to inspire! These are the hallmarks of great leadership. These qualities are embodied in Senator Barack Obama.

Join the movement and usher in a new generation of inspirational politics.

OBAMA FOR AMERICA!!!

Britney   February 1st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Congrats on winning California Mr. Senator!

Jim ( Independent )   February 1st, 2008 5:32 pm ET

This is a huge and POWERFUL endorsement and could very well put Obama over the top in California.

YES WE CAN !

ANDROLOMA, Commerce City, Colorado   February 1st, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Campaign supernova?

Becky   February 1st, 2008 5:30 pm ET

I like how the LA Times faults Hillary for her vote but not McCain??? Just doesn't make a bit of sense…..but the LA Times never does!!!!

George from Minneapolis   February 1st, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Barack will be in Minneapolis tomorrow. They gave away 10,000 e-tickets online in hours and handed out 10,000 paper tickets in the first 5 hours of distributing them throughout the state. The response here In Minnesota has been amazing.

I will attend my 1st ever political event tomorrow to hear Obama speak. I like thousands perhaps millions of Americans are becoming involved in the political process for the 1st time because of Obama. My mother is going to the event with me. She has never voted in her 58 years. Finally, in my mothers adult lifetime there is someone who inspires her to vote and inspires millions of people to become involved in their government.

ONLY Barack Obama can produce the high levels of excitement, inspiration and participation that we have been witnessing in America. ONLY Barack Obama can take this country to a higher place.

I am very excited about the possibilities for our country…As long as we are smart and TRULY DO WANT CHANGE.

Eric   February 1st, 2008 5:27 pm ET

They did not endorse Hillary and stated that her "war" vote was the reason but then endorsed McCain. How ridiculous.

Mari Fernandez, Salt Lake City, UT   February 1st, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Good! I am glad to hear that the LA Times is endorsing Obama! I watched the debate last night, and when the war was mentioned I was hoping that Sen. Obama would have pointed out that NOT only did he not support the war and Hillary voted for it. BUT that Hillary voted for the war so that she would not have to explain why she is "soft on defense" which at the time was a big deal, especially after 9/11. Hillary voted for this war because it would benefit Hillary. Period. I just hope that Californians voting this Tuesday will join us, here in Utah, in voting for Sen. Obama!

Joe   February 1st, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Newspaper endorsements dont usually mean much. But this one probably stings. Obama needs to do well in CA, and this only adds to his momentum in the big state. Last Gallup poll shows him with 3 points in both CA and nationally. Only a couple of weeks ago he was down 20. Who's the real "comeback kid"?

Diane   February 1st, 2008 5:24 pm ET

LA Times are clearly anti-woman. Who needs them?

Sam Rose   February 1st, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Looks like the LA Times is going with the real winner last night.
The next President of the United States Barack Obama!!!

Hillary should get an Academy Award for her scripted
inauthentic "performance" last night—give her a gold statue….
AND GIVE OBAMA the keys to 1600 PA Ave!!!!

Against the Cult   February 1st, 2008 5:22 pm ET

I wish these endorsers & media would find other things to do. We can think for ourselves…

Louis   February 1st, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Who cares what the LA Times thinks. They supported Kerry, Dukakis and Mondale too… and they all lost!

I love the media… the more they pour it on, the more the American people get sick of it.

GO HILLARY!!! Super Tuesday will show the media just what happened in New Hampshire!

Wayne, Wentzville MO   February 1st, 2008 5:21 pm ET

It's really great to have another newspaper endorse Senator Obama. I nice to know which newspaper has folks who have really done their home-work, and know who to choose in the political arena. They sound like really smart people. Great for the LA-Times! Go Obama!!

JohnS   February 1st, 2008 5:20 pm ET

SOME OF THE DEMS, like the Clintons, NEVER LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES!!!

I really believe that it is going to take the active support of Hillary for the DEMS to lose the White House again; Remember Gore and Kerry? How short minded can the Dems really be in this nation. Gore and Kerry (each a stronger candidate than Hillary) were the "accidents" of the Clintons– The Dems lost each time!!!!!

Currently, the Dems are celebrating the "huge number of voters" out there for them because of the Independents (like myself), moderate Republicans, and young voters that have been brought onboard by Obama. Let us wait until the Dems put up Hillary as the nominee and the "voting pool" will run dry!!

This is yours Dems to lose again; it always takes the Clintons for the Dems to lose the White House or to deal with issues of moral corruptions!!!

WISE and Intelligent Dems should simply stay AWAY from the Clintons; they are the source of "curse" for the Dems!!!!

No Clinton, not even Bill, can ever restore the ECONOMIC fortunes of the past; the conditions of the past (e.g., Internet bubble) that made that happen are simply NOT there today. The Clintons burnt their bridges BEFORE thet left (in disgrace), the White House!!! And guess what? Hillary has been making stronger enemies since!

Kem   February 1st, 2008 5:19 pm ET

OBAMA 2008 THANK YOU LA TIMES!!! TELL THE TRUTH

Renee   February 1st, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Even if endorsements don't hold much weight, I think this could be an important factor in continuing Barack Obama's momentum going into Tuesday!

Vincent   February 1st, 2008 5:17 pm ET

oh yeah and today the Denver post endorsed Hillary….cnn be fair!!!

No More N00bs!   February 1st, 2008 5:17 pm ET

The media is really trying to decide this for us aren't they??? It won't work. Clinton is still ahead in the polls for a reason!

Dan, St. Louis, MO   February 1st, 2008 5:17 pm ET

LA Times is liberal. Everyone knows it. That's why they endorsed the most liberal Republican- John McCain.

Maris, CA   February 1st, 2008 5:16 pm ET

It won't help. They're both gonna' lose.

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