Paper Tiger
February 19th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Early voting begins today in the Texas primary race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. But one verdict is already in — at least from the state’s largest newspapers. In a remarkable clean sweep, every major daily in Texas has backed Obama.
Glowing Obama endorsements have run in the Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning-News, San Antonio Express-News, Austin American-Statesman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, El Paso Times and Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Together these papers serve the eight largest cities in Texas, with a combined population of roughly 6.5 million.
The opinion pieces reach their verdict by similar reasoning. They note the candidates’ near-identical policy positions, then back Obama for his “inspirational leadership,” “optimism,” desire to “transform” the country. The Austin American Statesman wrote, “His optimism, unifying vision and ability to inspire are the kind of healing balm the country needs at this moment in history.”
We doubt the views from editorial boards will impact the race. Endorsements rarely do in national elections in which both candidates are well known. (After all, the Los Angeles Times “strongly” endorsed Obama just days before Hillary romped in L.A. county on her way to a solid win the California primary.)
But the unanimity for Obama is surprising, especially in areas such as San Antonio, El Paso and Corpus, where Clinton is well liked. A year ago, Hillary was the unquestioned front-runner coasting to the nomination, and the notion that every major paper in Texas would endorse a first-term senator for president seemed unthinkable. It’s an indication of how far Obama has come and of his broad appeal.
And it’s another sign that the race for Texas — pronounced early on by the national media as a Hillary stronghold — likely will be close.
Oh, and if you’re waiting for an Observer endorsement, don’t hold your breath. As a nonprofit news organization, the Observer doesn’t endorse political candidates.
February 19th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
God bless Barack Obama.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Well Texas seems Cindy McCain set Michelle Obama straight and regarding Michelle’s loose lips the Republicans can eat her apart like a shark sure lets rip um up in Texas cowboys..God bless the Superdelegates and voters for 26 yrs Obama didn’t believe in God ,,,,AL……. so the question now is can you get the Muslim outta the boy in 20 yrs or less?
February 20th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I found an interesting site about the presidential election of 2008. After answering 36 questions you can discover your political position in comparison to the actual candidates. I found the link (www.electoralcompass.com) in the following article: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/02/08/plotting-coordinates-mccain-and-religious-right/