Your views on our endorsement of Barack Obama

• We invited readers to call or e-mail us with their feelings about our endorsement for Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president over Republican Sen. John McCain. This is a sampling of what some had to say. You can find more reaction from readers at dailyherald.com.

Thank you for your wise and prudent endorsement of Barack Obama for President.  I agree with the basis of your endorsement on every point. Although you are sure to encounter hefty criticism and anger from other readers along with accusations of liberal leaning press, I hope you will stand assured that you did the right thing.  Joining other normally conservative leaning newspapers in the Obama endorsement, you have been able to separate yourself from party politics to take the responsible stand.  I appreciate your editorial integrity for this.

Mary Robertson, Palatine

 

Change your name to the Daley Herald.

James C. Pawelski, Arlington Heights

 

Bravo, bravo, bravo!

Reed Oliff, Buffalo Grove

 

No I do not agree at all with your endorsement of Obama for President. "Best suited in temperament, judgment and vision", where in the world did you get this. He was an ineffective representative of both State & Federal positions, the most Liberal as you well know.

His vision is truly to bring Socialism to our Country, is that what you want? Look more closely at his involvement with the ACORN group and his plans to "spread the wealth".

President Bush warned Congress and the Senate of the banking problems years ago and they did nothing, now he blames Bush, is this good "judgment" in your eyes. Our financial problems fall directly at the feet of the Democratic leaders who did nothing but take money from the financial institutions we are now bailing out.

I really think you are playing a joke on the readers. You can't possibly believe the absurd things in this Opinion. Your facts are so distorted and without merit. I expect you to tell us this was just a big "November Fools Joke". 

John Styler, Prospect Heights

I see you have endorsed Barack Obama for president. This man is a left-wing liberal and it's going to ruin this country. He has no idea what to do insofar as being president. If I remember right, your paper endorsed Bush as president and look what he did.

But McCain is not Bush and Bush is not McCain. And apparently, you go by what people say, as opposed to what they do. And Barack Obama, for all the years he was in the State of Illinois, he did absolutely nothing for the state, in so far, as bringing money in or anything else for any infrastructure at all. All he did is spend time with a bunch of cronies that are being looked at by the State's attorney.

Joseph J. Marino, Streamwood

I want to thank you for endorsing our Senator, Barack Obama. I agree with the Daily Herald. I'm sort of proud that my neighborhood paper here endorses him and I hope that he wins and he does a good job.

David Petersen, Rolling Meadows

I disagree with your endorsement of Barack Obama. I feel you should have endorsed no one if you felt the way you do. Obama does not have enough experience to be president and his ties to Chicago politics are well known.

I lived in Chicago all my life and I have seen what Mayor Daley, Stroger, and all the other politicians have done to Chicago and they want to bring this type of politics to the federal government and it is wrong.

Roger Bianchim, Schaumburg

I am very disappointed with the Daily Herald for endorsing Barack Obama. I don't feel he has the experience. Also, what has he done for Illinois? He has done nothing for us. And the way Democrats run Illinois, we are going down the tubes.

And if he is the President of the United States, he is not going to help anyone. And with all the people that he chums around with, that Rev. Wright? Come on. Look at this man's background. Sure he is nice now and presents himself very well, but I am not for Barack Obama.

Diane Meore, Des Plaines

What I say is not going to change your opinion, but it is a wrong decision to endorse Barack Obama.

We need somebody strong like McCain. He loves America. This man, I don't think, loves America. He wants to make us like Europe. He is a citizen of the world. This is the United States of America. We are a proud people. We don't have to side with the world, as far as what we going to do in this country.

Michael Madia, Schaumburg

I am an independent, but right leaning voter.  At one time I was very much opposed to an Obama presidency.  As I have listened to him more, I have found myself respecting him more and more.  He is still too liberal on some issues for my taste, and I will admit I do have some concerns about some of his associations.  However, I do in fact like and respect him a great deal.  The biggest thing holding me back from voting for him is that I still have no respect for the Democratic leadership in Congress, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, etc.  I am quite concerned about the direction the country will take with a Democrat in the White House, and this group of Democrats in Congress.  There will be no check and balance on their actions.  If I do in fact still vote against Obama, it will not be a vote against him as much as a vote against the Democratic Leadership.  Where is a Tip O'Neil when we need one?

David Parker, Schaumburg

 

I was very disappointed in your endorsement of Barack Obama. In the past you have denied you were liberal but this really confirms your left leanings. Mr. Obama is a good speaker and presents himself well but there is no substance to him. His experiences in "management" are at most minimal. And his history of prior associations is highly questionable. Prior letters to the editor have covered his deficiencies quite well but you completely disregard facts and prefer to rely on your emotions.

Secondly, I was equally disappointed in the endorsement by Colin Powell. I once thought well of him but my opinion of him has now dropped - considerably. 

Fritz Alexander, Prospect Heights

  

I agree with your endorsement of Senator Obama for President of the United States.  You said it well.  He is who we need at this time.

Alice Buchholz, Barrington

"New kind of politician" you say in your endorsement of Barack Obama.

Mr. Obama is a very slick Chicago pol, different only in style but not substance. Convicted Tony Rezko, racist Reverend Wright, and terrorist Bill Ayers to name just a few of the notorious characters who have helped the senator's career along, it's the Chicago way, hardly new.

It may be "new" to other states and maybe even new to the cesspool in our nation's capitol, but thuggishness, distortions, outright lies and elitism is certainly not new in Illinois. Neither is corrupt one party rule. If you like the state of the state of Illinois you will LOVE it when it metastasizes through the whole country.

Judgment does matter, it is the ONLY thing that matters when life and death decisions must be made. What kind of person looks the other way while many sounded alarms about the Fannie/Freddie banking scandal all the while taking tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from same? Who promotes higher taxes on success and redistribution of the wealth to solve our country's problems? What kind of person would hold up a law that would protect babies born alive after a botched abortion? Who thinks insurance companies must have more mandates and control from the feds to improve the quality and bring down costs of health care? These are just a few of Mr. Obama's positions, judgments.

I am not surprised that you endorsed "The One" for President but I am shocked by your rationale. For these and many other reasons I do not trust His judgment and I most certainly do not trust yours. We live in a world where barbaric radicals are literally trying to destroy us and I don't believe that the smooth talker will convince them not to do it.

Christine Boreland, Barrington

 

Thank you for the opportunity to give my opinion on your endorsement.

I am very happy with your selection.  While I think the world is in a strange place from many perspectives, the need to move the presidency to another place can only be done by Mr. Obama.  I have been so disappointed with Mr. McCain. I feel he has gotten awful advice as to how to shape the issues and

run a campaign.

I think Mr. Obama will have tremendous challenges.  The blogs and talk show people will absolutely

lose it when he wins... but the Bush years and the Republicans in Congress have to go.  Mr. Obama will be challenged with the house and senate and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.  His negotiation skills will need to be used within his own party.  If he cannot reign in the Democrats they will all be out as the

Republicans were two years ago.

I like Mr. Obama's potential to inspire and his ability to work with many different types of people.  I think is a tremendous advantage.  So, yes, I agree with your endorsement. 

Bonnie Bulfer, Prospect Heights

 

This man is a joke and I hope that in time you will come to know how wrong your editorial board is to give him an endorsement.

In the meantime, the FBI is hot on his trail.  It's too bad the DNC once more comes out looking pathetic when they failed to vet this wholesale phony.

Why you fell for his act is unbelievable. "Illinois' favorite son"... not by a long shot!

 Arlene Sawicki, South Barrington

 

I like your article this morning. I certainly agree with it. I did disagree when you suggested McCain at the time of the primaries. One of the people I'm especially proud of is Joe Biden working with Sen. Obama and hopefully they will help us get out of this war, which we should never have gotten into.

Arlene Novy, Arlington Heights

Barack Obama is a socialist who advocates redistribution of wealth.  He has no resume!  I don't see how you, The Daily Herald, could get it so wrong.  He didn't come to Chicago for the $12,000 a year salary of a community organizer.  The corrupt Cook County Democratic Machine support is what brought him to Chicago.  He hasn't accomplished anything in or out of politics.  His association with Rezko, Ayres, and Rev. Wright, from whom he got the title to his second book, speaks volumes about his character and judgment.  If it's above his pay grade to determine when a fetus becomes a human being, it's above his pay grade to be President of the United States of America. A real leader would not have been a backbencher in the Senate while voting present on many very important issues.  I am certain H.C. Paddock preferred Capitalism over Socialism! Furthermore your characterization of Sarah Palin shows your ignorance because she has had more governmental executive experience than Barack Obama. She has been a Mayor and Governor of an important state and I would add, with an 80 percent approval rating. Read "Obama Nation"  and The 50 pages of documented footnotes and then tell your readers you endorse Obama!

Bob Henderson Arlington Heights 

 

I thought the endorsement was well written and touched on many points, but I don't think you went far enough. There are 2 things about John McCain's performance over the past few months that everyone should realize and address. And, it would have been nice if you had indicated some recognition of them.

1.  His "seat of the pants" decisions and actions. The way he has jumped around from running to Washington during the beginning of the economic crisis to his erratic behavior, saying one thing one day and something completely different the next, is a preview of what his style would be in the white house. It would be absolutely disastrous for us. 2. His "Country First" slogan is precisely opposite of what he did when he selected Sarah Palin. McCain put McCain's desire to be president over Any consideration of how that selection would affect this country, should he die in office. This places every decision he makes as suspicious. These 2 behaviors disqualify John McCain from holding the highest office in the land.

Len Brauer, Palatine

  

Recall the Democratic mantra the past 8 years that "Bush Lied"?  It seems that the Democrats and the Liberal Media are so willing to look the other way when Senator Barack Obama clearly lies to the American people.  While President Bush was going on information provided by the Clinton Administration and the Intelligence Community, Senator Barack Obama has been creating his own lies.  Senator Obama has made the following lies that the media has completely ignored:

What Obama said when he was confronted about Rev. Wright's church preaching hate speeches and anti-American sermons; he said even though he sat in that church for 20 years he never knew of Rev, Wright's hate speeches yet he disinvited him to his coming out speech announcing he was running for President because Rev. Wright was too radical, yet he is allowed to act stupid like he didn't know about Rev. Wright.  Obama even mentions Rev. Wright's hate speech in his book "Audacity of Hope" talking about a "White Man's Greed", so he clearly knew of Rev. Wright's radical speech.  He lied

When confronted about his relationship with Tony Rezko.

When confronted by Hillary Clinton in a Primary Debate about his relationship with William Ayers, Obama only said that William Ayers "was someone in his neighborhood whose children played with his".  He lied.  The relationship with William Ayers and Bernadine Dorne go back 20 some years; they sat on two boards together, Obama did an endorsement of Ayers' book;  Michelle Obama worked for Mayor Daley who was friends with Tom Ayers, then she went to work for a law firm with Bernadine Dorne; Obama "did" start his political career in William Ayers' and Bernadine Dorne's home; this was verified even by Tony Rezko.

When confronted by John McCain in a Presidential Debate about his relationship wit ACORN, Obama only said he did one legal counseling for ACORN years ago.  He lied.  The relationship is deeper than that; it was found out that his campaign this year alone (as mentioned by McCain) he donated $850,000 to ACORN, he taught classes to ACORN leaders years ago in Chicago, accepted the endorsement from ACORN last year and mentioned to them they had a long history of working together. 

Obama told John McCain the he agreed to Federal Financing for his campaign, for which there are limits that they receive and spend.  He lied.  Obama turned around and said he was now taking personal financing for which then he received $400 million from countries overseas.  Doesn't it bother you as to "who" is donating him $400 million from overseas?

Obama said in the debate with John McCain that he was never against the "Born Alive Act" proposed in the Illinois Senate, for which medical care would be given to babies born alive from a botch abortion.  He lied.   Obama is on tape speaking in the Illinois Senate denouncing the "Born Alive Act" and that "it would be a waste of time to get a doctor to care for these babies who are meant to die anyway".

 Senator Barack Obama does not have the maturity, the honesty or the ethics to be President of the United States.  If he is willing to clearly lie to the American people with ease while "only running" to be President, he will be a lot worse when he is President and cannot be trusted to lead this country.  The liberal media believes they are helping him by ignoring his lies, but they are selling the American people down the river but not telling the truth.  If Senator McCain had a made any lies in his campaign the liberal media would be all over him, exploiting his dishonesty, but they ignore Senator Obama's lies. 

Raymond Kohn, Wheeling

 

One vital fact you overlook in your endorsement of Mr. Obama is that he is the direct result of the Democratic Machine in Chicago.  He owes a lot of favors to a lot of people.  All of those favors will come due and payable and like all machine politicians, he will be expected to ante up.  What will you have to say when he antes up your money?  

Mary Fitzgerald, Arlington Heights

 

Sunday's editorial picks Senator Obama. I respect you for your ability to choose but I respectfully disagree. I was always taught that whether or not you like or agree with the man who is President, you respect the office. Unfortunately, neither you nor the Democratic Party has done this and it is unfortunate. Now, as for the reasons I choose not to support Senator Obama: 1. Redistribution of Income is at best socialistic and at worst Communistic. It ain't good for everybody. 2. A tax cut for 95 percent of Americans is in fact a welfare check for the 40 percent plus who pay no taxes.

3. Significant donations to ACORN - plus denying he was a trainer.

4. Support of abortion. 5. Questionable real support for new Nuclear Plants, offshore drilling, and shale. 6. As far as I have been able to find out he has never furnished proof of citizenship. I assume that you have verified this or you could not support him. 7. I do not favor a government health care system. 8. I do not respect earmarks, money received from Fannie and Freddie, apparent support for Sen. Dodd and Congressman Frank both of whom covered up the mortgage mess, while the failed president and current Republican candidate wanted over site. Why shouldn't these two gentlemen be thrown out of Congress? As for Senator McCain: 1. I favor tax cuts for people who pay taxes and business. Our tax rates on business are among the highest in the world. Dirty oil has paid more in taxes than they have made in those excessive profits. Why tax them more and destroy their incentive to explore? 2. He believes in free trade 3. His health care plan is one that encourages competition not nationalization. 4. He is honest! 5. His foreign policy is sound as respects Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. 6. He will support Israel. 7. He will not support licensing illegal's.

James A. Wagner, Barrington

 

It's not really a surprise that your newspaper would endorse the hometown guy for President.  But really, what accomplishment can you point to that indicates Mr. Obama would be a good Commander in Chief?  Obama is "inclusive" and "a talent for partnership rather than polarization"?  You can't really be serious about that.

Kenneth Busch, Barrington

I am sure that you will be taking a lot of flack for endorsing a Democrat for President in the northwest suburbs. However, I would like to congratulate you on your bravery in doing so and not just following what the community wants you to print.  I have been pleasantly surprised in the past several months at your reporting that has shown both sides of many issues.  In the past, the Daily Herald has only shown one side (in my opinion) which was just the majority opinion of the people in this northwest suburbs.  However, this northwest suburb is not reflective of the nation as a whole.  Again, thank you for your ability to rise above the pressure of conforming to the community.

Deirdre Koehler, Palatine

Congratulations on your endorsing Obama. Being a lifelong Republican myself I understand the difficulty of changing philosophy.

John Hurley, Palatine

• We invited readers to call or e-mail us with their feelings about our endorsement for Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president over Republican Sen. John McCain. This is a sampling of their edited responses. You can find more reaction from readers at dailyherald.com.

I very much oppose your endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama. I feel, as has been said on many occasions, the man is an empty suit. We really don't know anything about him, he has no legislative record to speak of, you don't really cite anything that he has done. It seems that your objection is President Bush, not Sen. McCain. I just feel that your reasons for endorsing Barack Obama remind me of a piece of Swiss cheese: it has nothing but holes in it. It's porous, it's meaningless and it really doesn't make sense.

I think you're taking out your frustrations with President Bush and citing those as reasons to support Barack Obama. Six months from now, I'd like to have a conversation with anybody from this editorial board.

If Obama should be elected, this country is going to be in complete chaos. You're going to have (Nancy) Pelosi, you're going to have (Harry) Reid and you're going to have the executive branch in the hands of someone who isn't prepared to be there.

Simply said, you don't give me a good reason to even consider your endorsement. You skip around, you talk about many things, but you really say nothing.

Joseph Kaczanowski, Naperville

In my opinion, I believe that you hit it right on the nose. I agree entirely with your endorsement and the points you set out. I only hope that all those other people who read the paper and your opinion will do so with an open mind, regardless of their political affiliation. I believe that they will agree - if not with all your reasons - at least most of them. I thank you for letting the public know how you feel about the senator. Thank you again.

Julio Flores, Lombard

I totally disagree with your endorsement. Our Illinois senator, Obama, practical? He has no experience and that doesn't matter. He's under investigation for many things and you are still endorsing him.

Betty Crofton, Roselle

I shouldn't say I'm surprised by your endorsement. I'm just kind of awed by it. Talk about Sen. Barack Hussein Obama's judgment... well, here's a man 20 years listening to a racist preacher; also hangs around with Father (Michael) Pfleger, associates with a known domestic terrorist, Bill Ayers.

If we want Barack Hussein Obama to landscape our history by our imagination, I'd rather read the Harry Potter book, what are you talking about?

As far as providing polarization and bringing out the masses, all he's really done is separate the races more than they ever have. It's just ironic that if you don't vote for him, you're a racist, but if you do, you see the light. He is the coming, I guess.

As far as supporting the troops, Barack Obama has voted on every additional expense to maintain support for the troops because he wasn't there or voted present. That certainly doesn't make him the ne'er do well as you see him, as he was able to see the future.

He doesn't cross any partisan walls. He has yet to step across the democratic plate. As far as for Illinois, please tell me one bit of legislation with his name on it - and just his - that passed that's done anything for us.

Basically, he's spent most of his time stapling posters and signs to telephone poles. That's a community organizer? Speaking of community organizers, isn't there ACORN, isn't that a community organization that is constantly being checked for voter fraud and voter registration? Which, please, Barack Obama worked for them, didn't he?

He also endorsed all the Clinton policies, who had a chance on multiple occasions to take out Osama bin Laden but failed to do so.

Let's talk about Fannie Mae and (Freddie) Mac mortgage crises. He is the second biggest receiver of contributions from these organizations, so why would he want to investigate them when they're filling his coffers?

Actually, Sarah Palin has more experience than him in a leading government role, so to downplay her is a disservice to your paper.

You had a goal here, you had a decision to make, to do what you thought was right and sell more papers. Fortunately, I'm able to see through that. Be careful, you get what you ask for. You get a guy who wants to share the wealth. In other words, we'll have an upper class and everyone will be in the lower class. But that's socialism, and this is what you've endorsed.

Tim Malczyk, Carol Stream

I do not support your endorsement. I think you say it all in the paper when you say Sen. Barack Obama's experience is limited, and I think that is the main reason he would not be a good candidate for president. Thank you.

William Mueller, Lombard

I'm just very glad that you endorsed Barack Obama.

Diane Halvorsen, Glendale Heights

I disagree with your endorsement, I believe it contains half truths. I do not believe Obama has enough experience.

Joan Smith, Lisle

I just want to say how disappointed I am in the Daily Herald for endorsing Barack Obama. In the notes which gave the phone number to make a comment, it asked if, you know, we thought you made good points. I personally don't think you made any points. I think your rhetoric is as flowery and insignificant as Barack Obama's is when he's campaigning. Very, very long on wind and very, very short on details. I'm very, very, very disappointed in the Daily Herald, especially because it represents the western suburbs of Chicago, and I don't know many people out here in the western suburbs who are going to be voting for Barack Obama. His economic policies are based on wealth redistribution and his policy on Iraq when it came to the surge was completely wrong, but of course you failed to even mention that.

Nicole Webb, Lisle

I read your editorial about Obama being the best man for the job. But I wonder who wrote this editorial? It sounds more like Nancy Pelosi than anything else. It's filled with contradictions. You're doing just what the democrats have been doing - blaming George Bush for everything except the weather. He's not guilty for all the things you claim, just like the democrats do. Congress approves or disapproves what is done, and the congress is heavily democratic and very well-prejudiced, so I don't agree with what you say. There's a couple of right points and you praise Bush with faint praise. I think McCain has got the experience and the will and the drive to do what needs to be done and he has a better record of getting approval from both sides of the aisle. So it's a bunch of mish mosh you've published. Thanks for trying.

Edward Michals, Glen Ellyn

Thank you for living in the fact based reality world! After 8 years of non-fact based reality, and anyone whom points out the facts gets attacked as liberal, it is nice to see that you are taking a fact-based approach to your endorsement. I am sorry you will be attacked for being liberal, but truth, facts and reality is now a liberal bias. We are living in an unbelievable time when reality is considered a fault, and facts are there to be bent into one's personal weapon of non truth.

Fran Quinn, Medinah

In the Daily Herald's thoughtful endorsement of Senator Obama, I did not find where you considered the liberal super majority which will no doubt result. The enactment of far-left leaning legislation and the prospect of a Supreme Court legislating from the bench, will transform American society for generations to come. Perhaps your editorial board views this as good policy for our country. Let's hope a President Obama will, as you note, "partnership rather than polarize... respect disparate views that helps him see the country more as a whole than as a collection of interest groups." And let's hope too, that the extreme left in Congress does not become his favorite interest group.

Jonie Corrigan, Wheaton

I just wanted to say thank heavens you finally endorsed Sen. Barack Obama. I think you made the right choice and I'm very, very glad to see this in print. Thank you.

Cynthia Cross, Wheaton

I disagree with your endorsement of Barack Obama. I think he's too far left. He's so liberal... he's a socialist. It would be dangerous if he got elected. It's unfair that way the media has treated President Bush; he's been a great president. He's protected us for seven years. A lot of the stuff that's attributed to him isn't true, so why? The democrats are more responsible for this problem, this credit crisis. Bush tried to reign in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2001,2002, 2003 and the democrats blocked it every time. I think it's totally unfair he's being blamed for this mess. John McCain has worked across party lines. Barack Obama has never worked across party lines. Barack Obama associates with terrorists! He's got a pastor who spews hate and racism. I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole. I think it's unfortunate. I think McCain would be a hell of a lot better.

Stephanie Wilson, Lisle

I applaud your endorsement of Sen. Obama! I am voting for the Obama - Biden ticket for all of the reasons that you so clearly defined

I am a 58 year old female who has lived in DuPage County my entire life.

What I find extremely disturbing is the racial tension that I am seeing at the Palin rallies and the fact that there is nothing being said to these people because McCain will do anything to win at this point. I have always respected Sen. McCain but I see that he is willing to jeopardize his integrity and set the country up for a backward motion of the racial divides just so he doesn't alienate the closet bigotry that we all know is alive and well in too many towns across the divided states of America. He wants their vote.

In my opinion, John McCain by not speaking loud and clear that his campaign totally rejects this message of hate speaks volumes on how sad and pathetic his campaign has become. He whispers his objections by saying it is just a few fringe groups. This I guess makes it OK.

An honorable person would be enraged at these actions and let it be known that it would not be tolerated.

I remember the racial riots of the sixties and I am praying that we don't let a group of ignorant people continue on this path. I think the press needs to put the heat on McCain to speak to this issue and not keep looking the other way.

Ann Kehe, Wheaton

I was hoping that the Herald would have the vision to see through the hype.

The only part of your endorsement I agree with is the statement "his experience is limited."

And that limited experience is too far left of the America I see slipping away. I disagree with his "big-government" plans, extreme abortion record, support of ACORN (hidden through CSI), alliances with Bill Ayers, Rev. Wright, Rezco, etc. (downplayed by the media), lack of transparency about campaign funding (millions from unidentified sources - also downplayed by the media), refusal to release college records, campaign attempts to silence anyone with information deemed negative. I fear a Democratic controlled congress because I can see the results in my own state. Disastrous across the board.

I am disheartened that the Herald must have been reading its own newspaper instead of checking out the facts. Even The Associated Press does not tell the complete story any more. "Joe reader" can get more truth from the "letters to the editor" than from the articles that appear inside.

I don't believe that any truly informed voter could endorse Barack Obama for any executive office.

Kathleen Webb, Lisle

Your choice doesn't surprise me since I perceive the paper as leaning left anyway.

Gene Stack, Wheaton

I would have thought this decision would have been more difficult than the explanation given; then again, how would McCain have a chance against the "second coming" you've made Obama out to be. You mention Obama's talent for partnership; I am an avid reader regarding politics and have mostly seen partisanship not partnership from Obama. His vote against John Roberts as chief justice is a glaring example. If anyone embodies partnership it is McCain; he has reached across the aisle and worked as a partner with Kennedy, Fiengold and others. I am one who looks at records not speeches and rhetoric.

Perhaps given time, Obama would have been more of a partner in congress; however, after only a short time in office he started campaigning. The editorial also mentions Obama being solutions oriented; again I have not sensed this attribute.

You mentioned McCains running mate as ignorant of issues; this may be true, but she is a Governor. Some of our best presidents were governors and had limited grasp of national and international. Like McCain she actually has a record of accomplishments in her short tenure in Alaska.

I agree Obama is inspiring as a speaker and is very intellectual; but please don't make him out to be something his actual record shows the opposite. Perhaps you got the result right; but please don't revise the record to get there.

Greg Kelm, Bloomingdale

It is frightening to hear your endorsement of an inexperienced person as president of the USA. Obama will go down in history as the president (if he wins) who sold this country to the terrorists. Just look at his associations.

One wants to eliminate our way of life and the other condemns America. This is what you want to be our president. The liberal press (including the Daily Herald) wants destroy our country and I don't know why?

Obama wants to raise taxes, is for abortion, and weak on national security.

In my estimate he is the Trojan horse once he gets into office. Pelosi and Reid

as part of his gang will bring this country to its knees. Unfortunately, the public is so enamored with idle promises that they don't care of the consequences.

God bless America.

John Damusis, Naperville

You've totally missed the boat with your endorsement of Barack Obama for President and I am extremely angry about it. You and other media outlets are endorsing our country making one of the gravest mistakes in our history.

Barack Obama has spent his entire four year term in the U.S. Senate running for President. Name one significant piece of legislation that he has championed which has helped our state. You can't.

By endorsing Obama, you are endorsing:

1. Universal health care where we probably will have to ask some Government bureaucrat when we can go to the doctor. No thanks.

2. Redistribution of wealth and income.

3. Negotiations with hostile nations like Iran and North Korea without conditions.

4. Gutting of our military. Democrats traditionally are not in favor of a strong defense.

5. Machine politics running the nation. You think things are corrupt in DC

now, just wait till the Chicago machine politicians get into power under Obama.

These are not the kinds of things I want my country to be about. I would rather elect John McCain, a man who has fought and sacrificed for our country. I know all of you in the media are falling all over yourselves for Mr. Obama. Please, America, come to your senses and vote for John McCain on November 4.

Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn

All the scandals, the links to terrorists and his shady dealings with ACORN and you think the messiah is about change? Tell me the one thing he has done for Illinois in the Senate. He's voted present a lot but that doesn't count. I propose, I think never I did. Socialism is right around the corner. He's all about change, that is what will be left in your pockets when he is done with you unless you are the 35 percent in this country who don't pay taxes and are always looking for a handout.

Mike Barbour, Naperville

I vote once and my wife votes once. Life is hard and it is getting harder and if Obama becomes President it will be very hard. Very, very hard.

Jim Di Cristofano, Lombard

No investigative reporting has been done by the Daily Herald to uncover the facts about Barack Obama. Why hasn't he made his personal information part of the public record? All candidates must do so, and Barack has not and instead enlisted lawyers to prevent this from happening. If he is what he says he is, what is he hiding?

William E. Matte, Wheaton

I am deeply dismayed by your endorsement of Sen. Obama for the presidency of the United States for the following reasons.

1. If you can prove to me how many times Obama has crossed party lines in a bipartisan manner to solve the issues of this country, please do so.

2. If you can prove to me how Sen. Obama has worked to cure the budgetary ills of Illinois, I'm all ears.

3. You completely ignore the cause of the Wall Street melt down and it's effect on "baby boomers retirement" plans.

4. As to the Iraq war, you ignore the fact that Saddam Hussein violated a plethora of UN resolutions to come "clean" about WMD's, which as we know up to this day, have not been proven to exist at the onset of Gulf War 2 and, was the main reason for the invasion of Iraq.

5. All I hear from Sen. Obama are his policies of "transferring the wealth" of America on a scale unprecedented. I hear nothing of stimulating industrial production, creating jobs via small business', etc.

6. As to the Bill Ayers controversy, I'm not in complete agreement with his (Obama's) supporters on this one as to it's irrelevancy in this election, though I think it has been overplayed a bit by the GOP.

In the end, everyone is entitled to their opinion. That's what makes this country great. But, the facts need to be clear and accurate when presenting an editorial to your readers, void of bias. Just the facts please. You think us conservatives are "paranoid" of the so called media bias of this country. But I think Walter Cronkite said it best as noted below: "Everybody knows that there's a liberal, that there's a heavy liberal persuasion among correspondents"

Ian Rahal, Glen Ellyn