The New York Times editorial board endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president Saturday, and also urged conservatives to embrace Ohio Gov. John Kasich for the Republican nomination.
“Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, though a distinct underdog, is the only plausible choice for Republicans tired of the extremism and inexperience on display in this race,” the Times’ editorial page said. “And Mr. Kasich is no moderate. As governor, he’s gone after public-sector unions, fought to limit abortion rights and opposed same-sex marriage.”
The Grey Lady’s nod is the latest newspaper endorsement Kasich has won, and the latest by a left-leaning publication likely to do him little good with Republican primary voters. The Boston Globe’s editorial board also recently endorsed Kasich. The Ohio governor, like former Utah Gov. John Huntsman in 2012 and Sen. John McCain in 2008, has earned the mantle of Democrats’ favorite Republican, a designation that might as easily hurt him as help him court conservatives.
The Times’ endorsement of Clinton is no surprise, but could give her a boost two days before the Iowa caucuses.
“Voters have the chance to choose one of the most broadly and deeply qualified presidential candidates in modern history,” the Times declares, arguing her main rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, lacks her qualifications.
“Mr. Sanders does not have the breadth of experience or policy ideas that Mrs. Clinton offers,” the paper says.
The Times was similarly unimpressed by Martin O’Malley’s case for president.
“Martin O’Malley is a personable and reasonable liberal who seems more suited for the jobs he has already had — governor of Maryland and mayor of Baltimore — than for president,” the board writes.
The editorial argues Clinton might be stronger in the area that Sanders has focused on, combating wealth inequality.
“One of the most attractive parts of Mrs. Clinton’s economic platform is her pledge to support the well-being and rights of working Americans. Her lifelong fight for women bolsters her credibility in this area, since so many of the problems with labor law hit women the hardest, including those involving child care, paid sick leave, unstable schedules and low wages for tipped workers,” the Times says.
