So, in a totally shocking and unforeseen move, the The New York Times has endorsed Barack Obama. Here's the meat of the endorsement:
Mr. Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the will and the ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential to finding solutions to this nation’s problems.
In the same time, Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.
Not to be outdone, today also brings with it Obama endorsements from such luminaries as Scott McClellan and various heroes of classic sit-comedy.
America’s Next President
Good by George and Richard. We will certainly miss you both a great deal, given the deep understanding and sound judgment you demonstrated in committing our country to an invasion and a very expensive protracted war in Iraq. And many thanks also for keeping a close regulatory eye on Wall Street and our mortgage lending and banking system during your 8 year watch. Sorry Bill and Hillary. Of course we really wanted to have you back again so that Bill could have another shot at some more action with interns in the oval office; and we will certainly miss not being able to hear all the details of such encounters. Too bad John and Sarah. We will always be deeply grateful to you, John, for so wisely putting the needs of our country above petty politics in choosing your running mate. But, Sarah, unfortunately it looks like we may never get the chance to fulfill our wildest dream of someday having President Palin lead the free world. On the other hand Barack Obama isn’t all that great, is he? He is merely an intelligent, articulate, and insightful 47 year old biracial man, a top of his class graduate of Harvard Law School and president of its Law Review, a former instructor of constitutional law for 12 years at the University of Chicago Law School, a 3 term Illinois State Senator and US Senator for the past 4 years, a Washington outsider with fresh ideas who wants to make significant changes in Washington. Come to think of it. Welcome Barack Obama!
I wonder what impact this had on Standard & Poor's Ratings Services downgrading the Times to "junk" status, or if it is just a funny coincidence.