Cheney's Hometown Paper Endorses Obama

Cheney's Hometown Paper Endorses Obama

November 03, 2008 1:42 PM

ABC News' Jennifer Duck Reports: With less than 24 hours before the polls open, Vice President Dick Cheney's hometown newspaper in Casper, Wyoming endorsed Sen Barack Obama for president.

"It is a foregone conclusion that Wyoming's three electoral votes will go to Sen. John McCain," the Casper Star-Tribune Editorial Board wrote. "It would be easy for the Star-Tribune to simply agree with the majority of voters in this red state and endorse the Republican candidate for president. But this isn't an ordinary election, and Sen. Barack Obama has the potential to be an extraordinary leader at a time we desperately need one."

The Editorial Board attacked Sen. McCain's vice presidential pick saying, "McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, however, shows extremely poor judgment" adding, "She has shown repeatedly that she is simply not ready to fill McCain's shoes."

Commending Obama's advisers and recent endorsements, The Star-Tribune cited Warren Buffett and retired Gen. Colin Powell by name. "Obama's advisers are extremely capable leaders," the Board wrote.

"It's good to know that he turns to the likes of Warren Buffett for financial matters and retired Gen. Colin Powell on military issues. With his emphasis on diplomacy along with a commitment to protecting America, Obama gives us our best hope of regaining the respect of other nations."

Cheney stumped for Republican congressional candidates on Saturday in Laramie, Wyoming reiterating his own endorsement for the McCain/Palin ticket. "I believe the right leader for this moment in history is Senator John McCain," Cheney said as the crowd cheered. "Iâ??m delighted to support John McCain, and Iâ??m pleased that he has chosen a running mate with executive talent, toughness, and common sense: our next Vice President, Governor Sarah Palin."

Hours later, democrats pounced on Cheney's words using them in an attack ad to show the difference between McCain and Obama's endorsements

Obama also took the opportunity to once again link McCain to the Bush administration.

"Earlier today Dick Cheney came out of undisclosed location and he hit the campaign trail and he said that he is and I quote, 'delighted to support John McCain,'" Obama told a crowd in Colorado on Saturday. "So I would like to congratulate Sen. McCain on this endorsement. Because he really earned it. That endorsement didnâ??t come easy

Sen. McCain had to vote with George bush 90 percent of the time and agree with Dick Cheney to get it."

The McCain campaign immediately responded likening Obama to Cheney.
"Barack Obama and Dick Cheney aren't just cousins, theyâ??ve shared support for the Bush energy policy and the out-of-control spending that John McCain has fought to oppose," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said.

Political Radar: Cheney's Hometown Paper Endorses Obama