Newspaper ends 72-year streak of supporting Republicans only, backs Obama

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/28/Newspaper_ends_72-year_streak_backs_Obama/UPI-60041222648264/

STOCKTON, Calif., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A Stockton, Calif., newspaper Sunday endorsed Barack Obama for president, ending a 72-year record of endorsing only Republicans for the office.

The Record, which did not endorse a presidential candidate in 1992, has endorsed Republicans in every other White House election since 1940, when it went for Wendell Willkie over President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The newspaper had endorsed Roosevelt over Alf Landon in 1936.

In an editorial, the newspaper said it backs Obama over Republican John McCain because Obama "has demonstrated he will think things through, seek advice and actually listen to it."

"Obama is a gifted speaker," the editorial said. "But in addition to his smarts and energy, possibly his greatest gift is his ability to inspire."

obama for president 2008!!!!!!

It's surely not been a very valued commodity for the last 30 years or so of Republican hegemony. Obama was right when he said that his opponents are not only dumb as a box of rocks (my phrasing), but also seem to be proud of it. At least maybe the Stockton Record has wised up a little bit. More like this, please.

in the central valley are no longer GOP bastions. Way too much urban, ethnic, and immigrant movement into the area. I can't prove this (someone can) but I would confidently say that half the central valley speaks a language other than English at home, and it's not just Spanish......... Sheer demographics. Even newspapers must adapt or die. Bakersfield will turn blue in the next decade too.

:toast: