Barack Obama

THE ISSUE

The TimesDaily Editorial Board recommends Democratic Sen. Barack Obama to voters for president of the United States.

Back in February, when Alabama held an early presidential primary, the TimesDaily Editorial Board recommended Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain to voters as the best candidates their parties were offering. On Nov. 4, one of these candidates will become president.

We recommended McCain at the time because of his "maverick" but principled record in the Senate and his willingness to cross the aisle on issues that matter to most Americans. We recommended Obama because he is a young, fresh presence capable of inspiring and uniting a diverse country.

McCain has a long and honorable record of service to his country, including five years of brutal incarceration in a North Vietnamese POW camp. That alone, however, does not qualify him to be president. Since the early days of the campaign, McCain has veered from what made him attractive as a candidate. A combination of questionable decisions as the campaign progressed and policies that now resemble those of the failed Bush administration have cooled our enthusiasm for him. He appears to be a candidate who has been manipulated by the worst elements of his party, not the principled maverick of the past.

America's standing as leader of the free world has declined in the past eight years because of a pre-emptory war in Iraq that was built on information that later proved to be totally false, rendition and torture of prisoners who have not been charged with specific crimes -- defying treaties and denying the right to a trial, enactment of domestic surveillance laws that undermine civil liberties, and unilateral foreign policy decisions that have alienated our allies.

As president, Obama would restore much of the moral high ground that has been lost. He would work closely with our allies. As to the criticism that Obama would meet unconditionally with our enemies, it appears to us that he would be practicing a bit of ancient wisdom all leaders should remember: Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.

Obama's domestic platform is appealing in an era of declining fortunes and shrinking job opportunities. His tax plan would shift more of the burden to high-income taxpayers and provide greater relief to low- and middle-income earners. He also advocates smart regulatory oversight of financial markets -- the kind of oversight that could have prevented the financial meltdown we are now experiencing without unnecessarily hindering free markets.

A plan for comprehensive health care includes mandatory care for children. Adults not already covered by employment-based insurance plans would keep their benefits, while uninsured adults could choose to join the national insurance pool. His tax increases on the wealthiest citizens would help pay for the expanded coverage. He also would provide tax incentives to companies that create jobs domestically and end tax breaks for companies that export jobs.

Obama may have a perceived lack of experience, but his innovative approach to solving problems more than compensates. He has surrounded himself with good advisers, and he should be able to build consensus in the Capitol on difficult issues.

Barack Obama has generated the kind of excitement and energy not seen since John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan were candidates. Obama, indeed, represents change -- and this country is ready for a new direction to meet the challenges of the 21st century while not sacrificing the principles that make us strong.

Obama's demeanor, eloquence and visionary thinking make him our recommendation to lead our great country.