Local Palm Springs Newspaper Endorses McCain!

What a pleasant surprise, especially considering that this is not the most Republican-friendly place on earth . . .


McCain has the ability to bring about change

The Desert Sun endorses Republican candidate John McCain for president of the United States.

McCain has a long and documented record of leadership. He has taken courageous positions in opposition of his party's leaders, he has fought and sacrificed dearly for this country, and he has the political experience, both foreign and domestic, needed to bring about the type of change Americans want during one of the most uncertain times in our history.

The challenge ahead
The country faces critical challenges. It is embroiled in two wars, national debt is $10 trillion and growing, foreclosed homes pepper neighborhoods across the country, the unemployment rate is climbing and the current president and Congress just passed a $700 billion bailout — money the nation doesn't have — in an attempt to end the credit crisis.

Yes, Americans demand change in the White House. But the issues facing the country are far too momentous to leave in the hands of anyone other than a proven leader. McCain is the only candidate in this presidential race with the experience and proven track record as a leader to deliver that change for all.

We know how McCain has voted in the past and it is not simply in lock-step with the Republican Party. He votes for what he believes is best for the nation, even if that puts him at odds with President Bush and other GOP leaders.

He survived five years as a POW in Hanoi and fought numerous battles in Washington.

Reaching across the aisle
He collaborated with iconic Democrat Sen. Edward Kennedy on a solution to illegal immigration and sponsored campaign finance reform through the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which is commonly referred to as the McCain-Feingold Act. It is considered McCain's greatest legislative achievement.

We can't say the same for Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. He has not been tested. He is three years into his first term as a U.S. senator. He's not been a governor or the CEO of a major corporation. Obama's record is short and it does not transcend party affiliation — that we all know for certain.

An Obama presidency would coincide with Democratic control of both houses of Congress, meaning unfettered control of federal policy by the Democrats for at least the next two years. That is not what's best for the country. The American people have shown election after election that they want a balanced government.

Obama has eloquence
No one can take away from the fact that Obama is an inspirational figure and a skilled orator. He does bring a sense of hope to many. Not since John F. Kennedy have we seen such a charismatic candidate with a keen ability to touch people's emotions. It was these reasons that we endorsed him in the Democratic primary.

But delivering a good speech is not enough for the presidency. We need experience, a record of service and bipartisan leadership. With Obama, the American people have no guarantee that he will govern from the center. McCain has proven he is a centrist.

McCain has substance
McCain's record shows he is willing to regulate when necessary and deregulate when necessary. He supports banking regulations now, but he also has a record of deregulating industries that become mired in government bureaucracy. He is the right Republican for this point in American history.

Obama has pledged repeatedly he will tax the rich and spread the wealth. By contrast, McCain has supported many moderate policies in his career. As he said, he is no George Bush. We agree.

McCain does have shortcomings. We disagree with his policy on health care reform and with his choice for vice president. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin does not have the experience to match McCain's. We also dislike the defensive tone McCain has exhibited in the final weeks of this campaign. These disagreements, however, do not change our position on McCain as the best choice for president.

We support McCain because his leadership is proven and he best reflects the values of this part of California.

The Desert Sun urges voters to elect John McCain as president.