The Denver Post endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008, and Obama has earned their endorsement once again in 2012. This endorsement is particularly important because Colorado is considered a swing state. The Post says:
With the nation mired in two wars and amid an economic meltdown, we endorsed a largely untested young senator from Illinois for president in 2008.
Four years later, the Iraq war is over, the war in Afghanistan has a conclusion in sight, and the economy has made demonstrable — though hardly remarkable — progress.
Obama’s record of accomplishment under trying circumstances and his blueprint for a second term make him the best pick to move the nation forward.
Continuing with Obama’s accomplishments, the Post contends:
There have been notable accomplishments: rescuing the nation’s auto industry, passing comprehensive (though contentious) health-care reform, and delivering justice to Osama bin Laden.
The Post does not suffer from what the president calls “Romnesia,” the forgetfulness the Republican nominee Mitt Romney has regardinghis record in both business and government. It also points out his persistent habit of flip-flopping over virtually every issue of importance. It reminds us of the insensitivity that Romney has towards nearly half the American population:
His comments on the 47 percent of Americans who refuse to “take personal responsibility and care for their lives” were a telling insight into his views and a low point of the campaign.
Romney’s approach is one of tax cuts for all, drastic Medicare reform, increased defense spending, and what would be catastrophic cuts to other discretionary programs. In the Republican primary, he said he couldn’t support a plan that included even $10 in cuts for every $1 in new revenue. To expect the country to balance its budget without additional revenue, in our view, is nothing short of fantasy.
The Post recalls the many holes that former President George Bush dug and which Obama either was forced to drive into or had to make a special effort to circumvent. Additionally it points out that the president’s accomplishments have been limited by an obstinate Congress that has been controlled by Republicans over the past two years.
A largely intransigent Republican Party shares in the blame, however, particularly because of unwillingness to cede any ground to Obama in the last two years on policies — such as the president’s American Jobs Act — that attempt to bolster the economy.
The Post addresses an issue of education which Obama has repeatedly stated as key to the quality of life in America as well as economic growth. Romney has largely been absent on the issue or disdainful towards those who need financial aid to attend institutions of higher learning and the students who attend them:
Obama has moved the country in the right direction on school reform. On higher education, he has taken steps to address affordability through increasing Pell Grants and streamlining the student-loan process. His executive order that allows qualified illegal immigrants brought here as children a chance to pursue college degrees is a positive step — though much remains to be done on immigration reform.
While Mitt Romney has no experience with foreign affairs except outsourcing labor and hiding personal money, the Post praises the president for his accomplishments.
As commander in chief, he has demonstrated himself capable in a tough situation. He eliminated the military’s discriminatory “don’t ask don’t tell” policy, limited this country’s involvement in Libya while still playing a role in the ouster of Moammar Khadafy, and hasn’t allowed the U.S. to be drawn into the Syrian civil war. He has remained a friend to Israel, but isn’t engaging in war talk over the Iranian nuclear issue. Moving forward, the administration owes the American public a thorough explanation of the troubling events surrounding the murder of four Americans in Benghazi last month.
This is not a lukewarm endorsement. The Post is not fooled by the Romney and Ryan rhetoric that the president has done little over the past four years and has no plans for a second term. It recognizes Obama’s accomplishments in the face of persistent GOP obstruction. It also points out the skills that the president has demonstrated to be an effective president. The Post is confident that the president will continue to be an effective chief executive. Therefore it gives him a ringing endorsement.