Clinton, Kasich Receive New York Times Endorsements

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican John Kasich received the New York Times Editorial Board endorsement in the 2016 presidential race just two days before voters in Iowa convene for the first nominating contest in the election.

In its editorial, the board called Clinton one of the most broadly and deeply qualified candidates in modern history. The board has previously endorsed Clinton three times for office, including in the 2008 Democratic Presidential primary, when she ran against Barack Obama.

Speaking of Clinton’s main challenger Bernie Sanders, the board wrote he did not have the breadth of experience or policy ideas that Clinton offers. While praising Sanders for bringing the issue of income inequality to center stage, the board wrote his plans for achieving some of his boldest proposals are unrealistic. Those proposals include breaking up the banks and health care reform.

“Mrs. Clinton has very good, and achievable, proposals in both areas,” the board wrote.

The board praised her run as secretary of state and said she was committed to support the well-being of working Americans and women. While calling her “hawkish” on the use of military power, the board wrote Clinton would still be a more effective military leader than any of the leading Republican contenders.

The board called Kasich the only plausible candidate for Republicans, ”tired of the extremism and inexperience on display.” As governor of Ohio, Kasich fought to limit abortion rights and opposed same-sex marriage making him “no moderate”, the board wrote.

However, the board said Kasich has been capable of compromise and believes in the ability of government to improve lives.

While speaking of the two front runners in the Republican race, the board wrote Donald Trump has no experience or interest in learning about national security, defense or global trade and called Ted Cruz’s campaign not one of constitutional principles but one of ambition.