New York Times endorses Clinton, McCain

NEW YORK, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The New York Times Friday endorsed Sens. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and John McCain, R-Ariz., for the presidential nominations of their respective parties.

"Hearing her (Clinton) talk about the presidency, her policies and answers for America's big problems, we are hugely impressed by the depth of her knowledge, by the force of her intellect and by the breadth of, yes, her experience," the Times editorial board wrote.

The newspaper also had favorable words for Clinton's rival for the Democratic nod, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

"By choosing Mrs. Clinton, we are not denying Mr. Obama's appeal or his gifts ... Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton would both help restore America's global image, to which President Bush has done so much grievous harm."

However, the newspaper concluded, "Mrs. Clinton is more qualified, right now, to be president."

On the Republican side, the editorial board noted they "have strong disagreements with all the Republicans running for president."

However, the Times chose McCain as "the only Republican who promises to end the George Bush style of governing from and on behalf of a small, angry fringe."

The newspaper cited the senator's record on global warming as well as his argument "that a country's treatment of prisoners in the worst of times says a great deal about its character."