Houston Chronicle Endorses Obama, McCain

The Houston Chronicle has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as its choice for the Democratic presidential candidate, citing his "message of inclusion and cooperation." The newspaper in the nation's fourth largest city also endorsed Arizona Sen. John McCain for the Republican nomination.

In its endorsement, the Chronicle said there was not much to separate Obama and his opponent, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, as both have similar views on such issues as ending the war in Iraq by withdrawing combat troops and pressing efforts to providing all Americans with health insurance.

"However, there is a decisive difference. Obama vows to reach out to independents and Republicans with a message of inclusion and cooperation," the Chronicle said. "He offers a historic opportunity to elevate national political dialogue to a higher ground. Those who insist on vitriol and obstructionism would be marginalized."

The newspaper said Obama is "best-qualified by life experience, skill and temperament to be the standard bearer for his party."