These are not the best days for Americans, for Oregonians. Our security is threatened at home and abroad. Our health-care system is a mess, and too many Americans go hungry and jobless. Our capital is rife with partisanship and distrust, as is our nation. Our troops are mired in a war that seemingly worsens by the day.

We cannot, and should not, blame President Bush for all of our nation's problems. But neither should we let him evade responsibility for his missteps. He has been indecisive in fighting terrorism but decisive about a questionable war; careless about deficit spending but careful about the interests of polluters, big business and wealthy people.

We have serious concerns about Sen. John Kerry. We worry that he promises much and will deliver far less. We recognize that some of his policies have shifted with the political winds; the same is true with George W. Bush.

In the end, Kerry gives America hope for a fresh start, for leadership that respects regular Americans and for a presidency that can rebuild America's stature in the world.

The Statesman Journal editorial board did not come to that view lightly. The decision to endorse Kerry was made this week, after meeting with national representatives of each campaign, watching the four debates and reviewing the records and potential of the candidates.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 11:49 AM | Basie! Home