The Arizona Senator Is Clearly The Most Qualified Of The Contenders By Editorial, Orlando Sentinel (FL)

By Editorial, Orlando Sentinel
January 20, 2008

Editorial

No clear front-runner has emerged among Republican presidential candidates after the party's early primaries.

But there is a clear choice when it comes to the most
qualified: U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

First elected to the House in 1982 and the Senate in 1986, Mr. McCain knows his way around Washington, D.C. But his maverick's record of taking on GOP leaders and special interests shows he can be the agent of change for which many voters are clamoring. He has been battling business as usual in the Capitol -- especially its weak ethics and irresponsible budgeting -- for years.
Mr. McCain is one of the most authoritative voices in Congress on national security and foreign affairs, two core responsibilities for any president. He understands that U.S. influence is rooted not only in military might, but also in maintaining strong alliances and American values such as the humane treatment of prisoners.

Like his rivals in this campaign, Mr. McCain has changed some of his positions for political expediency. He has courted the support of evangelical Christian leaders he once denounced as "agents of intolerance," and he has switched from opposing to supporting the Bush tax cuts.

But on two of his most controversial stands -- support for comprehensive immigration reform and more U.S. troops in Iraq -- he has stuck to his principles at the risk of sinking his campaign.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, by
contrast, has abandoned positions that would have alienated his party's
conservative base on abortion, stem-cell research, gay rights, gun control,
taxes and immigration policy.

Mr. Romney can boast of a successful track record in both business and government. But with his latest reinvention, it's hard to know what he really stands for, and what kind of president he might be.

Rudy Giuliani is rightly appreciated for his often effective leadership as New York's mayor, especially after the 9-11 attacks. His experience on foreign affairs, however, doesn't approach Mr. McCain's. And Mr. Giuliani's call for a massive new tax cut amid continuing deficits shows his commitment to fiscal responsibility isn't as strong.

Ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee deserves praise for injecting a civil tone into this year's campaign, but a series of gaffes has exposed his lack of depth on foreign affairs. His injection of religion into politics is troubling. And his lurches to the right on immigration and taxes mark an unfortunate break from his bipartisan and pragmatic style as governor.

Former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee has run such a lifeless campaign that it's still hard to imagine him finding the energy to be a successful president.

Mr. McCain stands out, even in this year's crowded field. He has taken positions with which we disagree, but his qualifications to be president are beyond dispute.

The Sentinel endorses John McCain for the
nomination in Florida's Republican Primary.

Click here to read the endorsement from the Orlando Sentinel