Courant backs Obama, only second Democrat ever

The Hartford Courant, which bills itself as the nation's oldest continuously published newspaper, announced today it will endorse Barack Obama, only the second Democrat it has backed for president in its 244-year history.

The Connecticut newspaper said on its website that the endorsement will be published in Sunday's newspaper and released online Saturday afternoon. The endorsement cites Obama's leadership qualities, his can-do message and his calm temperament, it said.

The paper endorsed Bill Clinton in 1992 and in 1996, but later called for Clinton's resignation after the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

A week ago, the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune made Obama the first Democrat they had endorsed for president in their histories.

As of today, Obama had the endorsements of 134 newspapers to 52 for John McCain, according to Editor & Publisher's tally.

Meanwhile, McCain was endorsed by Salmon Press, which publishes several small newspapers in New Hampshire: Meredith News, Plymouth Record Enterprise, Winnisquam Echo, Gilford Steamer, Granite State News, The Baysider, Carroll County Independent, Littleton Courier, Coos County Independent, and Berlin Reporter.

"In the primary, New Hampshire voters rescued the faltering candidacy of US Sen. John McCain," the endorsement says. "Next month they can come to the rescue again by giving McCain the state's four crucial electoral votes. Come January when he is inaugurated in Washington, D.C., President John McCain can begin the hard work of rescuing America.

"And make no mistake, America needs rescuing. We are at a critical time in our 232 year-old history, facing an onslaught of economic and foreign policy problems that will require a towering presence in the White House. We need bold leadership -- The Buck Stops Here kind of leadership -- that calls out for experience, courage and the strength to do what's right whatever the political fallout. We need John McCain.

"Sen. McCain is not an artful debater, nor an especially adept campaigner. That is not what will count starting in January. What will matter is his character, his depth, his inner core and his willingness to put aside partisan bickering for the good of the country. He among all those who have sought the Presidency over the past two years has the potential for greatness."