The Tampa Bay Times, the most circulated newspaper in Florida, has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president.
On Thursday, the paper made the case for the Democrat, calling her “the only candidate for president with the values, experience and knowledge to meet the challenges at home and abroad.”
The Times cites Clinton’s experience as a lawyer, first lady, senator and secretary of state as qualifications for her readiness.
The paper allowed, however, that Clinton is a “flawed” candidate.
“While she was secretary of state, her use of a private email server was an egregious error that smacks of self-entitlement,” the Times said. “The Clinton Foundation, whose initiatives have saved lives around the world, should have been held at greater arm’s length. As president, she would have to be more candid with Americans and fight her tendency to withhold information she fears would be damaging. Eventually, it always comes out.”
Of her Republican opponent Donald Trump, the paper said he “is stunningly unprepared and temperamentally unfit for the presidency, and he has played upon our deepest fears and worst impulses with reckless rhetoric, wild promises and flagrant disregard for the truth.”
It called the former reality TV star “entertaining television,” but “not suited for the White House.”
Clinton leads Trump in Florida, a crucial swing state, by about 3 points, according to the RealClearPolitics average.
The Times endorsed President Obama for reelection in 2012.
