LA Times backs McCain and Obama

California's largest newspaper endorsed John McCain and Barack Obama this afternoon.

The Los Angeles Times, which helped sponsor the Republican and Democratic debates this week, said that while it disagrees with McCain on abortion and gay rights, as well as the war in Iraq, his conservatism is genuine.

"McCain's suitability for the presidency at this moment begins with how he would conduct the nation's foreign affairs," the newspaper said. "....We welcome his insistence that America's military posture be matched by its moral purpose. Alone among the Republican candidates, he would close the detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which has become an international symbol of US arrogance."

The Times called Obama "the Democrat most focused on steering the nation toward constructive change" and said he "distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics."

"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 editorial continues.

California is the biggest prize on Super Tuesday, with 370 Democratic delegates and 170 Republican delegates at stake.