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Posted: January 25, 2008 2:52 PM
In Blow to Giuliani, New York Times Endorses McCain, Clinton
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With the prominent disclaimer that they “have strong disagreements with all the Republicans running for president,” the New York Times chose Arizona Sen. John McCain as their primary GOP choice, along with Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democrats, in a surprising blow to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

“The real Mr. Giuliani, whom many New Yorkers came to know and mistrust, is a narrow, obsessively secretive, vindictive man who saw no need to limit police power,” the Times editorial reads, adding that ” Giuliani’s arrogance and bad judgment are breathtaking.”

Giuliani was unfazed by the criticism, saying “I probably never did anything the New York Times suggested I do in eight years as mayor of New York City. And if I did, I wouldn’t be considered a conservative Republican,” during Thursday night’s MSNBC debate, the Washington Post reported.

The newspaper chose McCain because he “is the only Republican who promises to end the George Bush style of governing from and on behalf of a small, angry fringe,” adding that McCain “would offer a choice to a broader range of Americans than the rest of the Republican field.”

The Times made a more confident endorsement of Clinton, acknowledging that she is the best among a field of remarkable Democratic choices and is well suited to face tough challenges on the next president’s ability to undo damages put in place by George W. Bush.

“Mrs. Clinton has more than cleared that bar, using her years in the Senate well to immerse herself in national security issues, and has won the respect of world leaders and many in the American military,” the Times opined. “She would be a strong commander in chief.”

The Times endorsement of Clinton comes with caveat that Obama was also a strong contender, and while the newspaper appreciates the strength of his message and vision, they feel Clinton’s experience will be more practical.

“The potential upside of a great Obama presidency is enticing, but this country faces huge problems, and will no doubt be facing more that we can’t foresee,” the editorial reads. “The next president needs to start immediately on challenges that will require concrete solutions, resolve, and the ability to make government work. Mrs. Clinton is more qualified, right now, to be president.”