(CNN) - President Barack Obama again secured the endorsement of Ohio's largest newspaper, but the Cleveland Plain Dealer gave it with far less enthusiasm than in 2008.
The paper said Obama has fumbled and "often been his own worst enemy," but he has the potential to continue economic growth after leading "the nation back from the brink of depression."
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"Much of what beset America during Obama's first term lay outside his direct control," the Plain Dealer opined. "The bobsled slide into recession was in full motion when he took office. The economic calamity has been global; recovery, sporadic and weak. Obama's attempts to reach across the aisle politically were met with unbending resistance, even belligerence."
Obama's failings and lacking "vision for the many challenges that still confront America" in this campaign almost led the paper to endorse GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
"This litany of missed opportunities, as much as the grim economic statistics that have become America's unacceptable new normal, left us sorely tempted to endorse Gov. Romney this fall," the editorial board wrote. "Like President Obama, he is a man of public achievement and private honor. He was born to wealth and power, but used those advantages well: building a prosperous business; rescuing the 2002 Winter Olympics; being a leader in his church and serving as an effective governor. It is the track record of a man who gets things done. No wonder so many frustrated Americans appear eager to elect him."
"But which Romney would they elect?" it continued. "The rather liberal one who ran for the Senate in 1994? The pragmatic governor? The sharply conservative candidate of this year's GOP primaries? The reborn moderate of recent weeks?"
On the other hand, Obama made the "unpopular but gutsy" decision to further bail out automakers Chrysler and General Motors, significant players in the Ohio economy. "Romney," the newspaper wrote, "urged the companies to file for traditional bankruptcy - at a time when private-sector credit was frozen even for healthy firms."
The paper has endorsed Republicans and Democrats over the past five decades. Most recently, it threw its weight behind Obama in 2008, former President George W. Bush in 2000, former President Bill Clinton in 1996 and 1992 and former President George H.W. Bush in 1988.
The paper opted not to endorse a candidate in 2004, when Bush was seeking re-election and was challenged by Sen. John Kerry.
With 18 electoral votes, Ohio is the second-largest battleground state on the CNN Electoral Map and has been squarely in the eyes of both campaigns this year.
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On the other hand, Obama made the "unpopular but gutsy" decision to further bail out automakers Chrysler and General Motors, significant players in the Ohio economy. "Romney," the newspaper wrote, "urged the companies to file for traditional bankruptcy – at a time when private-sector credit was frozen even for healthy firms."
That's all I need to know -that and the other "gutsy call " that he made that got the murderer of 3000 Americans and a war that killed and maimed our soldiers. I trust Obama to make good sound decisions. And Stick to them!
Is that the reason for the $15 million Obama borrowed from Bank of America?
If it was Mitt Romney's choice Ohio's car industry would have been kicked to the curb....People what more
do you all want from Pres. Obama?
I think Ann's concern is well founded–She worrys about his mental health–you can see the rage and the strange flat glint in his eyes–looks like medicated mental halth issues to me–kinda reminds me of the gipper
Obama will finish what he started, just like Reagan for second term. Mitt Romney own father would not vote for his son since the Republican has change so much!
Of coarse why would thy be enthusiasm for this man when he has hurt their industries and jobs such as coal production which he has already shut down one hundred of them this year. And he wants to sign on to after the election to more natural gas shutdowns of fracking by the E.P.A. which will affect more jobs in Ohio along with Pennsylvania and West Virginia and other places such as New York are interested also in more natural gas production. So he will hurt jobs, buisnesses, and put up your electric rates for his failed global warming faulty science of the U.N. also. And have more gun control by them and regulate the internet and have a oil rig tax also from the U.N. he wants to sign on to. He is against our nation and our people. Pray to God and vote him out of office . Sincerely ;
I really don't get the questions about Obama's "vision for the many challenges that still confront America". His plan and vision are what he's been trying to implement for the last two years. The same plans that Republicans have stonewalled and refused to endorse or even to compromise with (unless you call a compromise throwing his plans away). They sound remarkably like Mitt's "get rid of loopholes" with an added "also let the Bush tax cuts expire for people making over 200K". Its the same plan thats been working well so far, but also the same plan that he's never been able to implement fully because of crazies in the House and Senate who refuse to let the government ever do anything.
The real question for him is "How do you plan to work with/around people who's solution to the recession is "Change Nothing" and who refuse to listen to any other ideas?"
A sad but very accurate description of Mitt Romney......
Obama 2012! The only trusted way forward.
Mitt Romney is a successful business man though not like Bill Gate. But would wonder how he made
decision when he was running these companies. That is the problem I have with this man and I think
many people have the same problem.
I have not seen someone like Mitt who changes his position on every issue.
The paper said Obama has fumbled and "often been his own worst enemy," but he has the potential to continue economic growth after leading "the nation back from the brink of depression."
Hey, it's halftime America !
You want to put in a rookie quarterback who trained under GW Bush back in the game ?
If you do put in Mr. Romnisia and hedge agents America .
They even noticed, the Bain way. No thank you.
Not to criticize CNN . But this is just another Republican Right wing clapp trap .... You Garnish your indorsement by listing obamas supossed short commings most of which are directly attributable to either a republican obstructionist bent in the House or Bush's left over problems. And you portray Romney as the Lord and Savior. It is obious to even a republican,yes even a head in the sand what would jesus do Republican could see through this obvious Bias. Keep Up The Good work your are turning opinion against Romney and thats good for the workin man... For Honesty I would Never trust CNN.... Have a Great Day America. Charles Bowen Solomon Stone
"But which Romney would they elect?" I'm glad Mitt's biweekly changing of stances isn't only noticed by Obama supporters.
How can you not back team Obama-Biden with quips like this one?? : "I don't blame that baby for crying," said Vice President Joe Biden at an event in Florida. "That baby knows what's in store for him or her if Romney wins."
18 electoral votes & it's the 17th state to enter the Union.
When the early settlers had their Thanksgiving Turkey around the Plymouth Rock area, (Mass) they went West, and crossed the OHIO – thus, the town they call : "the first Organized settlement in the Northwest Territory" was in OHIO.(then the rest is history)
May the Best Man Win – 2012
Hillary – - 2016 ( with a 'surplus' in – - 2018 )
In Australia,Romney has 9 points,Obama 91 points in opinion poll.In Canada,Obama is an overwhelming favourite when compared with Romney,& the Brits would not vote a twit who knew nothing to appreciate thier dilligence,while he deluded himself in self praise.So much for American exceptionalism,to have scales put in thier eyes by fox..
Whatever CNN. The paper gave him a whole hearted endorsement! That's the important thing.
Romney will say anything, do anything to be elected. He is the weather vane candidate. Which ever direction the wind blows, he aligns. I watched very republican primary debate, and I must say this man must think we are stupid, that we will not remember what he has said, and that he can just adopt completely opposite positions thinking no one will notice? Excuse me? Words matter. Your public positions matter. I was totally against Reagan, but I respected the man because he stood by his words and his positions. Romney could not begin to fill Reagan's shoes. Obama, flawed as he is, understands me, fights for me, and has a backbone. In life, we do not trust people who give us a forced, fake smile and will say anything to please us. Wake up America and do not fall for Romney, the ultimate snake oil salesman.
I'm from Ohio and I'm voting for Obama. He's the right person to continue to move this country forward.
A direct quote from the Salt Lake Tribune editorial board: "Romney's domestic agenda remains bereft of detail and worthy of mistrust."
CNN is trying there hardest to keep this race close so they can get more ad money. Its so obvious. At least try and not make it so obvious.
The reality is that the paper endorsed the president. CNN makes it look insignificant. The reality is that Obama has done a good job and remains a transformative leader against the racist elements in our society and against a GOP that said "no" to everything. The headline discounts the fact that in the final analysis the Cleveland paper sees Obama as the best choice. Romney is a problem because of the people with whom he would surround himself – Bush II.
What kind of an endorsement is that? I'd rather not have their endorsement at all if they have to undercut it with negativity. Geesh!
"Delusions of False Hope"
Delusions of false hope served from a silver tongue with “lost” ears gathered by the kitchen table begging for scraps like well trained dogs.
-Terence "Tee" Fallon, Jr.