New Endorsements in Iowa

Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise, with more than a majority of its editorial board being female, but the Des Moines Register has endorsed Hillary Clinton in the Democratic caucus for president.

"Readiness to lead sets her apart from a constellation of possible stars in her party, particularly Barack Obama [who has taken the lead in recent Iowa polls], who also demonstrates the potential to be a fine president," writes the Register.

"When Obama speaks before a crowd, he can be more inspirational than Clinton," the Register says, and I'm inclined to agree. I was watching C-SPAN yesterday and I saw a live broadcast of Obama speaking to an audience in Iowa. It was impressive, but it reinforced my opinion that Obama's biggest problem is that he's green, not that he's black (even though his race may be a major stumbling block in the South).

The Register seems to agree about Obama's inexperience. "Yet, with his relative inexperience," the newspaper says, "it’s hard to feel as confident he could accomplish the daunting agenda that lies ahead.”

More surprising, perhaps, is the newspaper's endorsement of John McCain on the Republican side.

Polls have shown McCain far behind Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson in Iowa, where McCain has barely made any effort at all. But the Des Moines Register seems intent on rewarding McCain for his consistency in his positions -- even when those positions hurt Iowans, as in his opposition to ethanol.

“The force of John McCain’s moral authority could go a long way toward restoring Americans’ trust in government," the Register says, "and inspiring new generations to believe in the goodness and greatness of America.”

That's going to be a tall order for the next president, whomever it turns out to be.

By the way, for a humorous take on the Clinton-Obama war of words, read today's column by Maureen Dowd in the New York Times.