Big news, because often the Blade will sit out primary endorsements. But the board felt the need to take a stand. It is a powerful endorsement that appears front and central on the Blade's homepage
We are not yet ready to say who we will endorse in November. But we wholeheartedly agree with something our editorial board heard on Sunday: 'We have to have a government that works for ordinary people. We've got to be able to bring the country together so we have a working majority for change. We have to break down some of the ideologically driven polarization that prevents us from taking practical steps to make the country more competitive and to get opportunity to people.'
We urge Ohio Democrats to vote on Tuesday for the man who spoke those words, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. It has become clear during the year-long primary campaign that he eclipses Sen. Hillary Clinton as the strongest possible candidate to run in the general election against the presumptive Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain.
I'll add one more paragraph from the editorial to stay within the rules here:
Moreover, we believe that Mr. Obama's inspiring life story, keen intellect, strong but quiet confidence, ready grasp of public policy issues, and his fresh and optimistic world view are what America needs after eight years of an administration that repeatedly has shown open contempt for the American people and for the Constitution.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
The Blade's editorial board interview of Obama is also available to watch.
This is great news from one of Ohio's most influential papers.