This is probably not a surprise.
Even though the Inquirer is now privately owned by a very conservative Republican holding company, and has a publisher who has steadily been populating the Editorial Board and the opinion columns with right and far-right voices -- including ex-Senator Rick Santorum -- the paper has managed to keep its liberal tone pretty much intact, as befits the newspaper of record in one of America's most Democratic cities.
And in tomorrow's edition, the Inquirer says this:
These times demand steady, focused leadership. Leadership that takes America far from the policies that have created so much fear. Leadership that says it's OK to hope, because hope properly directed yields results. Barack Obama is ready to provide that leadership.
More below...
The Inquirer correctly notes that today's dire economic crisis is front and center as the defining issue in this election, and sees this legacy of failed leadership under Bush as the most telling difference between Obama and McCain:
If America is going to fight its way out of a worldwide economic crisis that has people fearful of losing not only their homes but also their jobs, and fearful of unending war, then it must have better leadership than it has had the past eight years.
There are those who say this election should not be a referendum on the incumbent. But the presidency of George W. Bush colors everything about America today. His mistakes must not be repeated.
Both major candidates are trying to avoid association with Bush's failed policies. But only one does so successfully. On every issue important to America, Barack Obama offers a plan that would pull this nation from the precipice built by bad Bush decisions. The Inquirer endorses BARACK OBAMA for president.
Sadly, the Inquirer editorial board renders a split decision, and like the Supreme Court, feels compelled to publish a minority opinion praising McCain, too. Yet that piece seems to focus more on the smears against Obama than it does on any issues or qualities that set McCain apart.
There are no mysterious associations to dance around. No 20-year attendance of a church whose pastor preached anti-American sermons. No serving on an education reform panel with a domestic terrorist. No financial support from a convicted felon. No ties to a group currently under investigation for possible voter-registration fraud.
The Inquirer minority likes McCain's alleged leadership skills, his (discredited) aversion to "pork" and his (I'm not making this up)"sound temperment and good judgement."
Maybe the right-wing ownership has had some influence on the editorial page, after all.