Two campus newspapers at public colleges in Iowa endorse Obama

[TeamJordan23]

January 2, 2008
Campus Newspapers in Iowa Endorse Obama, McCain

Two campus newspapers at public colleges in Iowa have endorsed the same candidates for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations: Barack Obama and John McCain.

The Iowa State Daily picked Senator Obama mainly for the optimism he expresses and inspires. “He has ignited a passion for a change in the direction this country is headed,” the newspaper’s editors wrote. They also praised the senator’s attention to young voters, as well as his plan for withdrawal from Iraq and his commitment to energy independence.

The same newspaper endorsed Senator McCain for the Republican nomination, citing his patriotism, vast foreign-policy experience, strong opposition to torture, and support for nuclear energy.

The University of Iowa’s Daily Iowan liked Senator Obama’s plans to withdraw from Iraq, offer health insurance to all Americans, and confront global warming. (The newspaper ran guest columns by Mr. Obama, John Edwards, and Joseph R. Biden Jr. last month.)

Among Republican candidates, Senator McCain is the most qualified, The Daily Iowan wrote, praising in particular his strategies on Iraq and immigration. “McCain, relying on principles instead of partisan politics, is daring enough to voice his individual opinion, an essential presidential trait,” the editors wrote.

Many students have stayed in or returned to Iowa for tomorrow’s caucuses, with representatives from four colleges publicly defending their right to take part.

http://chronicle.com/blogs/election/1308/campus-newspapers-in-iowa-endorse-obama-mccain