The Chicago Sun Times endorses Obama

[Quetzal]

Obama still looks like a winner to us

When we endorsed Barack Obama for the United States Senate in the Democratic primary back in February, it was with a prideful certainty that the shining qualities with which he won us and many Illinoisans over would in due time make him a leading player on the main stage of national politics. But who could have known how quickly his star would ascend?

Chosen to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, Obama wowed his extended audience with an uncommon blend of passion and poise and rhetorical power. He has since used his elevated platform to do what any shrewd politician would: establish himself as a force in the party by raising money for it in the expectation that it will get him appointed to influential Senate committees that would be years in the future for most freshmen.

Obama's meteoric rise can't help but inspire some concern on the home front that he will become too caught up in national party politics to maintain his focus in serving the people of Illinois. We are assured he will keep his eye on the needs of his constituents, even as he quite naturally eyes future political prizes, by his long-term commitment in and out of the state Senate to such people-oriented issues as increased education funding, affordable health care -- especially for children -- and jobs creation.

That's one of the reasons we endorse him for the U.S. Senate over his mail-order Republican opponent Alan Keyes, who for all his intellectual dynamism seems less driven by the need to be a voice for the people than to promote a personal agenda that puts him out of step with most Illinoisans on such key issues as abortion rights, gay rights and the recently lapsed assault weapons ban.

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Obama still looks like a winner to us

[tritsofme]

1. It will be interesting to see if the go with Chimpy again this year

I really hope they don't.

[CreekDog]

2. Wonder that the Chicago Tribune will do?

Endorse Keyes?

What will they write?

Vote for Alan Keyes, because he will get a lot of attention for Illinois.

[onehandle]

5. They'll probably withhold endorsement.

That's what right-wing rags do when their candidate sucks and they aren't allowed to endorse the Democrat.

[pelagius]

3. Alternate Thread Title: Shortest Editorial Board Meeting Ever

I mean, good lord, what else are they going to do. I'd be surprised if even wingnut media endorsed Keyes.

[MoJoWorkin]

4. I wish I lived in Illinois

You guys get all the good ones. Durbin and Obama.
I have Senator "NO' Talent, and "JUNK" Bond here in MO.

I got to meet Obama at a farm shindig in Macoupin CO a week and a half ago. My daughter and her husband live in Madison CO. I was going for a visit and to see Howard Dean debate at SIUE. I happened to see someone on DU mention that Obama would be in Macoupin, and we went. My daughter was able to get both Obama and Dean to autograph their books. They both are exceptional. A week to remember.

And yes, Obama will go far. He reminds me of JFK when he was just starting out--he has that special quality that is rare. He has such charm, and is a natural wit. He asked my daughter if she had read his book yet, and she had just bought it and said no. He said "now you know, when I sign this, you won't be able to take it back."
:loveya: