Politics

The Freep Backs Obama, The News Supports Romney and the Sun Rose in the East

October 28, 2012, 6:09 AM

Detroit's daily papers share non-editorial staffs and a Lafayette Boulevard home, but their political positions are miles apart.

So it's no stunner that their editorial pages are on opposite sides of the presidential race. Again.

Freep Logo Nameplate

"Obama’s first term proved he can deliver," the Detroit Free Press editorial board, led by Stephen Henderson, says today in a 1,400-word explanation of its endorsement. 

The Freep lists five sets of highlights from "the stunning record of accomplishments [Obama] has compiled over the last four years" -- GM and Chrysler rescue, 30 straight months of job growth, the Affordable Care Act, actions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, and "lower-profile victories for women . . . and for the thousands of gay and lesbian Americans who won the right to serve their country without lying about who they are."

Obama’s first term proved he can deliver at home under the worst imaginable circumstances, battling multiple crises that individually would have sunk lesser presidents. Abroad, Obama has restored American credibility and influence that was frittered away by former President George W. Bush. With a refocus on job creation and long-term sustainability, his second four years could impress even more.

The Detroit News LogoThree days earlier, Nolan Finley's editorial page at The Detroit News came out for Mitt Romney in an identical-length endorsement headlined "Mitt Romney for President."

Republican challenger and Michigan native Mitt Romney offers the best hope of changing the nation's fate. . . . We anticipate that Romney will govern in the same manner as Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, a practical leader who shares his background as a business executive. . . .

[Romney] would not shield [Americans] from risk or the consequences of their decisions, but neither would he deny them their earned rewards. . . . Mitt Romney would restore faith in the core principles of free men and women, free minds and free markets that made America great, and will keep it so.


Read more:  Detroit Free Press


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