New York Times endorses Obama for the White House

US: The New York Times endorsed President Barack Obama on Saturday as he seeks a second term in the White House on November 6. The prestigious newspaper said it supports the incumbent Democrat instead of Republican rival Mitt Romney because, among other things, he has achieved the most sweeping health care reforms since 1965, prevented another Great Depression and ended the war in Iraq. "Mr. Obama and his administration have been resolute in attacking Al Qaeda's leadership, including the killing of Osama bin Laden. He has ended the war in Iraq," the editorial said. "Mr. Romney, however, has said he would have insisted on leaving thousands of American soldiers there."

The Times also said Obama, an attorney, would make at least one appointment to the Supreme Court if reelected, and that "the future of the nation's highest court hangs in the balance in this election -- and along with it, reproductive freedom for American women and voting rights for all, to name just two issues. Obama already has named justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor to the court.

"For these and many other reasons, we enthusiastically endorse President Barack Obama for a second term, and express the hope that his victory will be accompanied by a new Congress willing to work for policies that Americans need," it said on its website.

AFP