The newspaper said McCain is the best candidate to lead the nation through "perilous" times, arguing McCain's "character, pragmatism and independence" are needed in the Oval Office.

"During these perilous times, the nation needs an experienced, proven leader in the White House. Sen. John McCain is best equipped for the job," the editorial said.

However, the newspaper said McCain has run a "distressingly ineffective presidential campaign" and said McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate has given it pause.

"Palin is a promising governor and has excited the Republican base, but she is clearly not prepared for the role she was chosen to play and is costing McCain support he might have expected from undecided voters who harbor doubts about the seasoning of Democrat Barack Obama," the editorial said.