Philadelphia Inquirer backs Obama

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Inquirer, the largest newspaper in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama on Sunday.

But the newspaper also published an editorial by a dissenting minority on the editorial board. They backed Republican John McCain as the presidential candidate best qualified by a combination of independence and experience to serve as commander in chief.

The city of Philadelphia is heavily Democratic and its suburbs are becoming more so. But Obama needs a big win there to gain Pennsylvania's 21 electoral votes.

The newspaper cited McCain's support of President Bush's policies. An additional reason for rejecting McCain was his selection of his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

"This blatant overture to women voters and evangelical Christians who share her views on abortion backfired when Palin in interviews proved she is not prepared to be a heartbeat away from the presidency," the newspaper said.

The dissenters cited McCain's history of working with Democrats in Congress and his honesty.

"The Arizona senator has stood up to generals and presidents from Reagan to Bush on defense issues," they said. "He often offers sound alternatives, such as the counterinsurgency strategy that has brought greater security and stability to Iraq."