46 newspapers edorse Romney in 2012 after endorsing Obama in 2008

46 Newspaper Editorial Boards (And Counting) That Endorsed Obama In 2008 Change Their Minds In 2012 _____________________________________________________________________ #1 - The Des Moines Register: Obama's "Record On The Economy The Past Four Years Does Not Suggest He Would Lead In The Direction The Nation Must Go In The Next Four Years." "Barack Obama rocketed to the presidency from relative obscurity with a theme of hope and change. A different reality has marked his presidency. His record on the economy the past four years does not suggest he would lead in the direction the nation must go in the next four years." Editorial, "Mitt Romney Offers A Fresh Economic Vision," The Des Moines Register, 10/27/12) The Des Moines Register: Obama's "Best Efforts To Resuscitate The Stumbling Economy Have Fallen Short. Nothing Indicates It Would Change With A Second Term In The White House." "The nation has struggled to recover from recession for the past 40 months. Still, the economy is growing at an unacceptably anemic rate of around 2 percent a year and could slip back into recession depending on what happens in the European Union and China. The workforce is still 4.5 million jobs short of the nearly 9 million that were lost in the recession. Longer term, looming deficits driven by Social Security and Medicare pose the single greatest threats to the nation's economic security. The president's best efforts to resuscitate the stumbling economy have fallen short. Nothing indicates it would change with a second term in the White House." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney Offers A Fresh Economic Vision," The Des Moines Register, 10/27/12) Before Endorsing Mitt Romney, The Des Moines Register Last Endorsed A Republican Presidential Candidate In 1972. (Editorial, "Mitt Romney Offers A Fresh Economic Vision," The Des Moines Register, 10/27/12) #2 - Quad-City Times: Obama's Presidency Is Plagued With "Flagging Leadership." "[Health care reform is] just one example of flagging leadership on an issue that defines the Obama presidency. Sadly, others exist." (Editorial, "Ready For Change," Quad-City Times, 10/28/12) Quad-City Times: "The Change That We'd Hoped Would Elevate Our Economy Wound Up Woefully Short." "We invested heavily in hope back in 2008. Our 2012 endorsement of Mitt Romney comes with an imperative for change. The change that we'd hoped would elevate our economy wound up woefully short." (Editorial, "Ready For Change," Quad-City Times, 10/28/12) Quad-City Times: "The Presidential Gambit To Place Health-Care Reform Ahead Of Economic Recovery Jeopardized Both." "The presidential gambit to place health-care reform ahead of economic recovery jeopardized both. President Barack Obama expended all of the presidential leadership on muscling through health care reform, leaving little for implementation and none for significant economic recovery." (Editorial, "Ready For Change," Quad-City Times, 10/28/12) Quad-City Times: Green Energy Companies Obama Chose "Stumbled Despite Receiving Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In Taxpayer-Funded Grants." "The president's green energy initiatives were intended to launch a U.S. alternative energy boom. Earlier this month, A123 Systems joined the succession of green energy firms that failed after being selected by the Obama administration for preferential grants. Beacon Power. Abound Solar. EnerDel. Solyndra. All stumbled despite receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded grants." (Editorial, "Ready For Change," Quad-City Times, 10/28/12) #3 - The Telegraph [Nashua, NH]: "True leaders also don't wait until two weeks before Election Day - in the form of a 20-page booklet, no less - to lay out a specific agenda for the next four years." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Telegraph, 10/31/12) The Telegraph "Concluded He [Obama] Was Not The Best Candidate To Meet" The Nation's "Key Challenges." "Perhaps more importantly, when we identified the key challenges facing the nation - jobs, the economy and the national debt - we concluded he [Obama] was not the best candidate to meet them. That person is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and we hereby endorse him to become the 45th president of the United States." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Telegraph, 10/31/12) The Telegraph "Couldn't Say" Obama "Is The Candidate Who Would Tackle The Serious Issues Facing This Nation." "Nevertheless, we are confident Romney is the candidate who would tackle the serious issues facing this nation, starting with jobs, the economy and the debt. In the end, we couldn't say the same about the president." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Telegraph, 10/31/12) "Washington Is Broken," And Obama "Has Had Four Years To Demonstrate That He Can't" Fix It. "As we noted when we endorsed Romney for the GOP nomination prior to the New Hampshire primary in January, Washington is broken. In order to fix it, it will take a strong leader willing to roll up his sleeves and work directly with the heads of both parties to carve out the best possible solutions. We believe Romney has demonstrated that he can do that; the president has had four years to demonstrate that he can't." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Telegraph, 10/31/12) #4 - Reno Gazette-Journal: Obama "Has Shown Little Understanding Of How His Failures Are Affecting The Nation, And He Hasn't Offered Any Tangible Proposals To Change Course." "A vote to re-elect Obama promises four more years of the same. In the two debates between the two candidates so far (a third, on foreign affairs, is scheduled for Monday), the president has shown little understanding of how his failures are affecting the nation, and he hasn't offered any tangible proposals to change course." (Editorial, Nevada Needs A Change Now; Elect Mitt Romney President," Reno Gazette-Journal, 10/20/12) Reno Gazette-Journal: "But the United States, and Nevada, cannot afford four more years of the same. The change Obama promised four years ago is needed right now." (Editorial, Nevada Needs A Change Now; Elect Mitt Romney President," Reno Gazette-Journal, 10/20/12) Reno Gazette-Journal: Obama's Pursuit Of "An Overreaching Health-Care Reform Plan" Wasted Time And Political Capital, Violated His Transparency Pledge, And Furthered "The Partisan Divide." "Foremost among them was his early focus on an overreaching health-care reform plan that wasted 12 very valuable months of his and Congress' time and cost him precious political capital. The manner in which the legislation was drafted violated Obama's pledge to govern openly, and its passage - leveraged through a supermajority - served to further galvanize the partisan divide in Congress." (Editorial, Nevada Needs A Change Now; Elect Mitt Romney President," Reno Gazette-Journal, 10/20/12) #5 - Orlando Sentinel: "We Have Little Confidence That Obama Would Be More Successful Managing The Economy And The Budget In The Next Four Years." "We have little confidence that Obama would be more successful managing the economy and the budget in the next four years. For that reason, though we endorsed him in 2008, we are recommending Romney in this race." (Editorial, "Our Pick For President: Romney," Orlando Sentinel, 10/19/12) Orlando Sentinel: "Economic Growth, Three Years Into The Recovery, Is Anemic." "Economic growth, three years into the recovery, is anemic. Family incomes are down, poverty is up. Obama's Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, highlighted these and other hard truths in this week's second debate. Even the September jobless numbers deserve an asterisk, because more than 4 million Americans have given up looking for work since January 2009. And while the nation's economy is still sputtering nearly four years after Obama took office, the federal government is more than $5 trillion deeper in debt. It just racked up its fourth straight 13-figure shortfall." (Editorial, "Our Pick For President: Romney," Orlando Sentinel, 10/19/12) #6 - Sun Sentine l [Fort Lauderdale, FL]: Despite Obama's "Promise Of Hope And Change," "We Have Little Reason To Believe He Can Turn Things Around." "When President Obama came into office in 2009, the economy was in freefall and though untested, he inspired us with his promise of hope and change. Now, four years later, we have little reason to believe he can turn things around. So while we endorsed Obama in 2008, we recommend voters choose Republican Mitt Romney on Nov. 6." (Editorial, "Sun Sentinel Endorses Mitt Romney For President," Sun Sentinel, 10/26/12) Sun Sentinel: After Four Years Of The Obama Economy, "Growth Is Sputtering," "Family Incomes Are Down," And "Poverty Is Up." "To most Americans, only one thing matters - the economy. Four years into Barack Obama's presidency, economic growth is sputtering. Family incomes are down. Poverty is up. Business owners are reluctant to assume risk in the face of unending uncertainty. Many are holding on by their fingernails, desperate for signs of an economic recovery that will help them provide for themselves, their employees, their customers and their communities." (Editorial, "Sun Sentinel Endorses Mitt Romney For President," Sun Sentinel, 10/26/12) Sun Sentinel: Obama "Failed To Focus On Job One: Jobs." "The president had enormous opportunity when he took office, with Democrats controlling both houses of Congress. But he failed to focus on Job One: Jobs." (Editorial, "Sun Sentinel Endorses Mitt Romney For President," Sun Sentinel, 10/26/12) #7 - Naples Daily News: "It Is Not Worth Risking The State Of Our Economy For The Next Four Years To See Whether His [Obama's] Learning Curve Really Is Behind Him." "Some of the warnings about Obama's lack of legislative and leadership skills have come true over the past four years. It is not worth risking the state of our economy for the next four years to see whether his learning curve really is behind him." (Editorial, "President Of The United States," Naples Daily News, 10/28/12) Naples Daily News: "Obama Failed To Attempt The Same Reality-Driven Statesmanship" That Bill Clinton Did With Republicans After 1994. "Still, despite those strident messages - which at times subjected him to more and wilder conspiracy theories than any public figure in history - a better leader could have made more progress on reducing the deficit and a health-care plan that enjoyed bipartisan buy-in. President Bill Clinton did it in 1994 after a convincing Republican 'Contract with America' sweep. Obama failed to attempt the same reality-driven statesmanship following the midterm 2010 GOP sweep." (Editorial, "President Of The United States," Naples Daily News, 10/28/12) #8 - Florida Today: Obama "Failed To Satisfy" Our Expectations. "We endorsed Obama in 2008, but not because he seemed likely to transform the economy. We recommended Obama because he promised to end the war in Iraq, continue NASA's moon-exploration program and reform health care costs that had outstripped growth in household income for more than a decade. We also believed Obama would reach out and build new coalitions in Washington to resolve issues mired in partisanship. Four years later, Obama has failed to satisfy three out of four of those expectations." (Editorial, "We Recommend Mitt Romney For President," Florida Today, 10/27/12) Florida Today: "Byzantine" Obamacare Was "Confusing And Ill-Timed." "But Obama's signature achievement was confusing and ill-timed. The byzantine Affordable Care Act worsened uncertainty for business during a recession and will compound the costs of workplace benefits for four out of five working-age Americans." (Editorial, "We Recommend Mitt Romney For President," Florida Today, 10/27/12) #9 - Pensacola News Journal: "Four years ago, we recommended Barack Obama be elected. He offered himself as someone who could bridge the wide chasm between Democrats and Republicans. However, after four years, the situation has worsened." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President, Pensacola News Journal, 10/28/12) #10 - Wisconsin State Journal [Madison, WI]: Obama "Hasn't Laid Out A Clear Vision For The Next Four Years." "It still is Obama who hasn't laid out a clear vision for the next four years." (Editorial, "Our Pick: Mitt Romney," Wisconsin State Journal, 11/4/12) Wisconsin State Journal: "Not enough hope and too little change. That is President Barack Obama's record on the economy, debt and Washington gridlock after four years in the White House." (Editorial, "Our Pick: Mitt Romney," Wisconsin State Journal, 11/4/12) #11 - Bucks County Courier Times [Levittown, PA]: While Obama Enjoyed A Democrat-Controlled Congress, He Demonstrated "A Total Lack Of Leadership On The Most Important Issue Of Our Country's Future." "As one of our board members stated, 'My vote for Romney is a vote against Obama and the Democratic Party, which controlled Congress since January 3, 2007 through January 3, 2011. During that time, not one budget was passed, not one plan was put forward to tell us how the Democrats will deal with the skyrocketing deficit. This demonstrates a total lack of leadership on the most important issue of our country's future.'" (Editorial, "Romney Will Spur Confidence To Boost The Economy," Bucks County Courier Times, 10/28/12) #12 - Herald Standard [Uniontown, PA]: "Four Years Of Obama Was Enough." "Much like the rest of the country, the debate raged on between the two sides. But when it came time to take a vote, the majority of the board sided with Gov. Romney and the overwhelming need for change. Four years of Obama was enough, they maintained." (Editorial, "President," Herald Standard, 11/4/12) #13 - The Intelligencer [Doylestown, PA]: Obama Has Not Effectively Addressed Either America's "Vexing And Potentially Calamitous Issues" Or Our "Vast Economic Malaise." "And so we are mired in a vast economic malaise. Home foreclosures dot the landscape. So do shuttered businesses. Folks who are working, labor for lower pay and fewer, yet more costly, benefits. The future looks bleak. Social Security is on the cusp of insolvency, while the cost of Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlement programs that millions of Americans depend on spirals beyond the government's ability to provide funding. We grow deeper and deeper in debt. The numbers are almost beyond comprehension. And yet these vexing and potentially calamitous issues are not being addressed in an effective way." (Editorial, "Romney Will Spur Confidence To Boost The Economy," The Intelligencer, 10/28/12) #14 - The Daily Tribune [Royal Oak, MI]: Obama's Leadership "Is Less Than Inspiring." "Instead of ideology, an argument about who would best serve the nation could be made on the basis of simple competence. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward, hardly a spokesman for conservatism, has shared remarkable insights in his two books on the Obama presidency. In 'Obama's Wars' and now 'The Price of Politics,' Woodward offers detailed and largely undisputed accounts of the president's leadership. The picture that emerges is less than inspiring." (Editorial, "Romney The Leader America Needs To Create More Jobs," The Daily Tribune, 10/12/12) The Daily Tribune: "'Obama's Wars' depicts an administration riven with division over policies in Iraq and Afghanistan, perhaps overly focused on political ramifications and not a little bit of cynicism in explaining policies to the public." (Editorial, "Romney The Leader America Needs To Create More Jobs," The Daily Tribune, 10/12/12) The Daily Tribune: "'The Price Of Politics' reveals the president's strategic and leadership blunders during last year's debt-ceiling negotiations." (Editorial, "Romney The Leader America Needs To Create More Jobs," The Daily Tribune, 10/12/12) The Daily Tribune: "Now we have reports that security requests from our embassy in Libya were denied by the administration prior to the killing of our ambassador and three other Americans there last month." (Editorial, "Romney The Leader America Needs To Create More Jobs," The Daily Tribune, 10/12/12) #15 - The Daily Reflector [Greenville, NC]: Obama's Path For The United States Is "Untenable." "This is no easy decision for voters and the public's hope for Obama's success makes turning away difficult. However, the present path is untenable and Romney offers the new direction America needs." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Direction," The Daily Reflector, 11/1/12) The Daily Reflector: Obama's Approach To The Economy Has Been "Imprecise," "Misdirected," And "Haphazard." "On his watch, the United States can point to modest success in pulling back from the brink of a second Great Depression and is finally seeing some indication of economic recovery and job growth. However, that progress has come in spite of Obama's imprecise and often misdirected vision for recovery, a haphazard approach that stands as the most compelling argument for the nation to choose former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as its next president." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Direction," The Daily Reflector, 11/1/12) The Daily Reflector: "With the economy listing and Americans panicking, the measures advanced by this administration were far too short-sighted and ineffective to gain traction." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Direction," The Daily Reflector, 11/1/12) The Daily Reflector: "Obama's focus on an ill-timed reform of health care compromised the type of bipartisan action that would have helped families and demonstrate the leadership the nation expects." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Direction," The Daily Reflector, 11/1/12) #16 - The Daily Herald [Chicago, IL]: "Where Is The Hope?" "In endorsing Illinois' favorite son in 2008, we declared Obama 'has a chance to be a great president.' We said, 'He offers a new kind of politics. A politics that breaks down the old partisan walls. A politics that strives to bring people together. A politics of hope.' There is no doubt that as president, Obama has recorded some significant achievements, some even historic. Even his adversaries have embraced some. He's ended the war in Iraq, passed landmark health care legislation, opened the door toward civil rights for the gay community - all notable accomplishments. But four years later, where is the hope? Where is the confident swagger and leadership to uplift the nation's mood?" (Editorial, "The Case For Mitt Romney For President," The Daily Herald, 10/28/12) The Daily Herald: Obama's Reelection "Tone Is Division And Damaging." "More pointedly, we are disappointed in the tone of Obama's relentless insinuations that wealthy Americans refuse to pay their fair share. That tone is divisive and damaging for the nation and for our economy. It creates villains and victims, and unfairly so." (Editorial, "The Case For Mitt Romney For President," The Daily Herald, 10/28/12) The Daily Herald: "When The Economy Was Wracked, He Chose Instead To Focus On Health Care Reform." "At a time when the economy was wracked, he chose instead to focus on health care reform. In doing so, his administration chose early on to fight with Congress rather than to work with it. He chose to force his landmark health care bill through Congress without a single Republican vote, significantly contributing to the bitter atmosphere of division in Washington." (Editorial, "The Case For Mitt Romney For President," The Daily Herald, 10/28/12) #17 - Journal Star [Peoria, IL]: Obama "Hasn't Offered Much In The Way Of A Compelling Or Complete Second-Term Economic Agenda." "Beyond that, the president simply hasn't offered much in the way of a compelling or complete second-term economic agenda, even though his jobs record is haunted by some damning numbers. More than half of all college graduates in the U.S. last year - and for a few years previous - are not employed full-time, according to a couple of head-turning studies. The New York Times reported last week that part-time work at low pay and no benefits has become the new normal for many Americans." (Editorial, "President Of The United States: Mitt Romney," Journal Star, 11/3/12) Journal Star: Obama And His Party Are "Bereft Of Ideas." "In some ways Obama seems to have lost his zip, his party bereft of ideas." (Editorial, "President Of The United States: Mitt Romney," Journal Star, 11/3/12) Journal Star: "Obama Has A Bit Too Much Of 'My Way Or The Highway' In Him." "Like Bush and Clinton before him, Obama has a bit too much of 'my way or the highway' in him, steamrolling over Congress through his excessive use of executive orders." (Editorial, "President Of The United States: Mitt Romney," Journal Star, 11/3/12) #18 - Statesman Journal [Salem, OR] Endorses Mitt Romney, Because Under Obama "Our Economy Is Still Struggling And Our National Hopes Have Faded." "Today the Statesman Journal Editorial Board endorses Mitt Romney for president. We do so despite endorsing Barack Obama four years ago. On Oct. 19, 2008, we wrote: 'America needs a profound leader - a leader who can rebuild our economy, regain our respect around the world and restore our faith in our future. That person is Barack Obama.' Today our economy is still struggling and our national hopes have faded." (Editorial, "Our Presidential Endorsement: Mitt Romney," Statesman Journal, 10/31/12) Statesman Journal: "Obama, in contrast with presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan, struggled to achieve his goals through negotiation. In contrast, Romney offers a track record of success." (Editorial, "Our Presidential Endorsement: Mitt Romney," Statesman Journal, 10/31/12) Statesman Journal: Obama Appeared "Out Of Touch" To Everyday Americans In The First Presidential Debate. "However, as far as Romney's supposed inability to relate to everyday Americans, that concern was quashed by the first presidential debate this fall. It was Obama who appeared out of touch - the danger of surrounding oneself with yes-men and yes-women - while Romney was fully engaged." (Editorial, "Our Presidential Endorsement: Mitt Romney," Statesman Journal, 10/31/12) #19 - Houston Chronicle: "Obama's Deeds Have Failed To Match His Words." "The Chronicle's backing of Barack Obama in 2008 broke a 44-year string of endorsing Republican candidates for president. Like so many others, we were captivated by the Illinois senator's soaring rhetoric and energized by his promise to move American politics beyond partisan gridlock and into an era of hope and change. It hasn't happened. Four years later, President Obama's deeds have failed to match his words, much less his specific vows to cut the national debt by half and bring the nation's unemployment rate to 6 percent." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Houston Chronicle, 10/21/12) Houston Chronicle: "We do not believe four more years on the same plodding course toward economic recovery is the best path forward for Texas or the nation." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Houston Chronicle, 10/21/12) #20 - Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "[Obama Is] Right, And 'Fundamentally Different' Is What The Nation Needs. For That Reason, Romney Should Be Elected President On Nov. 6." "Given the final two minutes to speak during Tuesday's second presidential debate, President Barack Obama quickly spotlighted what he said was the key distinction between his re-election candidacy and the campaign of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. 'There's a fundamentally different vision about how we move our country forward,' Obama said. He's right, and 'fundamentally different' is what the nation needs. For that reason, Romney should be elected president on Nov. 6. The slow U.S. economy and its discouragingly high unemployment overshadow the other important issues in this election. Economic recovery must be spurred to a faster pace, and a change to Romney's leadership would do that." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney: New Leadership For More Economic Growth," Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10/20/12) #21 - San Angelo Standard Times: "Romney Is Far Less Polarizing Than Obama." "And Romney is far less polarizing than Obama. The president's election in 2008 was historic and cause for celebration, and we had hoped it would help heal political and societal divisions. But the opposite has happened, and it's tearing at the nation's fabric." (Editorial, "Romney Best Able To Lead America's Economic Recovery," San Angelo Standard Times, 10/27/12) San Angelo Standard Times: "More People Are In Worse Circumstances Than When He [Obama] Entered The White House." "Barack Obama set his own standard for his re-election. 'If we don't get this done in three years,' he said a few weeks into his presidency, 'then there's going to be a one-term proposition.' He hasn't. The unemployment rate is where it was when he took office. The economic recovery is weak, and more people are in worse circumstances than when he entered the White House. Nor has Obama offered a compelling vision for how those things will improve in the next four years. Mitt Romney appears better able to reinvigorate the economy, and the Standard-Times editorial board recommends his election as president." (Editorial, "Romney Best Able To Lead America's Economic Recovery," San Angelo Standard Times, 10/27/12) #22 - The Tennessean: "Barack Obama was elected in 2008 with a call for hope and change. Perhaps the change he spoke of could only come with the help of Mitt Romney." (Editorial, "Time For Another Change," The Tennessean, 10/17/12) The Tennessean: Obama Suffers From An "Inability To Possess Leadership To Break The Partisan Gridlock In Congress." "President Obama's steps to get spending under control and reduce the debt are too tentative, and again hark back to his inability to possess the leadership to break the partisan gridlock in Congress." (Editorial, "Time For Another Change," The Tennessean, 10/17/12) The Tennessean: Obama's Lack Of Leadership And Inability To Forge Bipartisan Consensus For Health-Care Reform Was A "Sad Failure." "The sad failure came in the way the bill became law with no consensus. Democrats and Republicans will bitterly point fingers to this day about the broken negotiations, the partisan posturing and the supposed cost to the American people. But no legislation of this scale should become the law of the land without some meeting of minds. That is why, 2½ years and a Supreme Court victory later, the law remains at risk of repeal. And like it or not, that failure is ultimately the responsibility of President Obama. It is he who should have insisted that the bill have bipartisan support." (Editorial, "Time For Another Change," The Tennessean, 10/17/12) #23 - Los Angeles Daily News: We "Urge Voters To Say 'Enough' To A Democratic Administration Whose Sincere Best Has Turned Out Disappointing." "Four years ago, the editorial board's willingness to change horses in the middle of a churning river led us to call for voters to break the Republican hold on the White House and try a Democrat with a fresh spark. Today, it leads the editorial board to urge voters to say 'enough' to a Democratic administration whose sincere best has turned out disappointing, and install a seasoned leader with a record of fixing problems. Mitt Romney is that seasoned leader." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," Los Angeles Daily News, 10/26/12) #24 - Long Beach Press-Telegram: "His [Obama's] Inexperience In An Executive Position Has Been Exposed. His Naivete About His Chances Of Getting Much Of His Program Through A Deeply Partisan Congress Has Been Cured The Hard Way." "Sad to say, the reservations our editorial board expressed about Obama in 2008 have been borne out. His inexperience in an executive position has been exposed. His naivete about his chances of getting much of his program through a deeply partisan Congress has been cured the hard way. Instead of taking charge in Washington, Obama has shown unwillingness to take even the most basic step in presidential leadership: picking up the Oval Office phone to bring his influence to bear on reluctant representatives and senators." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," Long Beach Press-Telegram, 10/26/12) #25 - Inland Valley Daily Bulletin [Ontario, CA]: "And Americans hoping for better from a prospective second term are frustrated by Obama's failure to explain how four more years would be different." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 10/26/12) #26 - The Reporter [Vacaville, CA]: "But, try as he [Obama] might, he has not been able to enact policies that might significantly grow jobs and restore the nation's economy." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Reporter (Vacaville), 10/28/12) The Reporter: Obama's Ideas Are "Worthless" If He Cannot Lead And Work With Congress. "Mr. Obama may have great ideas, but if he can't get them through Congress -- and there's no reason to think anything on that account will change after Nov. 6 -- they are worthless." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Reporter (Vacaville), 10/28/12) #27 - The Daily Breeze [Los Angeles, CA]: Obama's Broken Promise To Govern Cooperatively And Unite America Is A "Failure Of Leadership." "He was going to make history not only as the United States' first black president but as its healer, vowing to lead the nation into a new era of cooperation. But that promise to blend blue America and red America into purple America is an example of Obama's failure of leadership." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President, The Daily Breeze, 10/26/12) #28 - The Sun [San Bernardino, CA]: "The mere fact that Obama finds himself in a neck-and-neck race speaks to the disappointment he has inspired in many one-time believers." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Sun, 10/26/12) #29 - Pasadena Star-News: "Instead of following through on his hope-and-change message, Obama keeps telling us the limits of hope and change." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," Pasadena Star-News, 10/26/12) #30 - Newsday [Melville, NY]: Obama Did Not Do "The Job Of President With The Same Passion And Vision He Displayed" In Campaigning For It. "Had Barack Obama done the job of president with the same passion and vision he displayed in seeking it, he would likely deserve another term. He did not." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) Newsday: "Obama's failure to accelerate the improvement of the economy is the dominant reason Romney is the right choice, but it's not the only one." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) Newsday: Obama's "Broken Promises" Mark His Term. "There are also the broken promises. On the campaign trail in 2008, Obama promised to halve the annual budget deficit of the United States. Instead, the shortfall has remained over $1 trillion per year, and the national debt has increased about 45 percent." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) o Newsday: "Obama said he would pass comprehensive immigration reform, but he never made a significant attempt to address it." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) o Newsday: "Obama promised a transparent administration but instead ran a secretive White House." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) o Newsday: "Obama promised to drive the unemployment rate below 6 percent in four years. It sits at 7.9 percent, just above the level when he was inaugurated." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) o Newsday: "Most important, Obama promised to end the partisan divide in Washington but didn't do so." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) Newsday: Unlike Roosevelt Or Reagan, Obama Failed "To Bring Us Together And Reignite Our Confidence In The Virtues And Future Of The Nation." "Although he was elected in a time of economic turmoil, Ronald Reagan's greatest achievement wasn't his tax plan or his economic theories. His success came from emotional leadership, the ability to bring us together and reignite our confidence in the virtues and future of the nation. This is what FDR did. It is this that Barack Obama has failed to do." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) Newsday: "Obama Squandered The Support Of The Nation." "Elected with a significant mandate and his party briefly in control of both houses of the Congress, Obama squandered the support of the nation." (Editorial, "Elect Mitt Romney President Of The United States, Newsday, 11/2/12) #31 - The Daily News [New York, NY]: "Obama Built A Record Of Miscalculations And Missed Opportunities." "The regrettable truth is that Obama built a record of miscalculations and missed opportunities." (Editorial, "Our Choice For America's Future: The Daily News Endorses Mitt Romney For President," The Daily News, 11/3/12) The Daily News: "While The Country Bled Jobs," Obama "Pushed One Of The Largest Social Programs In U.S. History Through A Democratic-Controlled Congress Without A Single Republican Vote." "While the country bled jobs, the President battled to establish universal health insurance - without first restraining soaring medical bills. Then he pushed one of the largest social programs in U.S. history through a Democratic-controlled Congress without a single Republican vote. R.I.P. and never to be resurrected - Obama's promised bipartisanship." (Editorial, "Our Choice For America's Future: The Daily News Endorses Mitt Romney For President," The Daily News, 11/3/12) The Daily News: The Hope Obama Conjured In 2008 "Went Unfulfilled." "Four years ago, the Daily News endorsed Obama, seeing a historic figure whose intelligence, political skills and empathy with common folk positioned him to build on the small practical experience he would bring to the world's toughest job. We valued Obama's pledge to govern with bold pragmatism and bipartisanship. The hopes of those days went unfulfilled." (Editorial, "Our Choice For America's Future: The Daily News Endorses Mitt Romney For President," The Daily News, 11/3/12) #32 - The New York Observer: "The United States simply cannot afford another four years of weak leadership." (Editorial, "Romney For President," The New York Observer, 10/16/12) The New York Observer: Obama's Class Warfare Rhetoric Is Not That Of A "Friend" OR A "Leader," But A "Politician." "Class warfare might be a successful strategy for cobbling together 270 electoral votes. But it's not the way to unite a divided nation. The president comes to town on a Monday, takes our money, shakes our hands and tells us how much he values the CEOs and innovators of New York. And then on Tuesday, he turns around and refers to business leaders as fat cat bankers whose success was created by the sweat of others. That's not a friend. That's not a leader. That's a politician." (Editorial, "Romney For President," The New York Observer, 10/16/12) The New York Observer: Obama "Squandered An Opportunity To Bring Positive Change To Washington-And What Change He Did Bring Will Burden Future Generations." "While we admire Mr. Obama, we believe he squandered an opportunity to bring positive change to Washington-and what change he did bring will burden future generations. We continue to rack up debt, buy services we cannot afford and allow unfunded liabilities to continue to grow. This has to end." (Editorial, "Romney For President," The New York Observer, 10/16/12) #33 - The Columbian [Vancouver, WA]: Obama "Has Fallen Far Short." "The greatness implanted in America's founding and manifested for more than two centuries cannot be restored until two goals are met: The U.S. economy must be repaired, and government spending must be brought under control…. We endorsed Barack Obama in 2008 and acknowledge his passion and diligence. But he has fallen far short of the two nonpartisan goals expressed above. Yes, Congress shares much of the blame for continued economic stagnation. But the best leaders break the worst logjams. Obama has not." (Editorial, "President Of The United States: Mitt Romney," The Vancouver Columbian, 10/14/12) #34 - The Bulletin [Norwich, CT]: "Things Have Worsened Under His [Obama's] Leadership." "The president certainly inherited a difficult economy, and deserves some credit for his success in slowing the downward spiral. But it seems that overall things have worsened under his leadership." (Editorial, "Romney's Experience Is Exactly What Our Country Needs Today, The Bulletin, 11/3/12) The Bulletin: Obama's Record "Is Not A Record Worthy Of Re-Election." "2008 was an exciting year in American politics. President Barack Obama and his campaign team did a great job of exciting the electorate with his promise of hope and change. During the campaign, we didn't have much history to evaluate him on, as his experience was quite limited. But his message of hope and change was enough for us to endorse him, and enough for the electorate to elect him. 2012 is a different matter altogether. We now have a full term to evaluate the president. It is not a record worthy of re-election." (Editorial, "Romney's Experience Is Exactly What Our Country Needs Today, The Bulletin, 11/3/12) The Bulletin: "The partisan climate that he promised to heal has grown worse." (Editorial, "Romney's Experience Is Exactly What Our Country Needs Today, The Bulletin, 11/3/12) #35 - Billings Gazette: "Obama has failed to lead America forward from the stagnation that followed the great recession." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Leadership America Needs," The Billings Gazette, 10/12/12) Billings Gazette: "As President, Obama has failed to bring people together." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Leadership America Needs," The Billings Gazette, 10/12/12) Billings Gazette: "Obama has proven time and again to be indecisive." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Leadership America Needs," The Billings Gazette, 10/12/12) Billings Gazette: "Voters may well wonder if Obama even knows what it means to get spending under control." (Editorial, "Romney Offers New Leadership America Needs," The Billings Gazette, 10/12/12) #36 - Casper Star-Tribune: "Obama's Term In The White House Has Been Quite Possibly The Most Disappointing Presidency In The History Of The United States." "Four years ago, Barack Obama promised America hope and change. Four years later, there's less to be hopeful about and the only change has been a souring of politics and mounting debt. Obama's term in the White House has been quite possibly the most disappointing presidency in the history of the United States." (Editorial, "After Four Years Of Failure, It's Time For A Change," Casper Star-Tribune, 10/14/12) Casper Star-Tribune: "Obama's four-year term has been a failure - even by the standards he said we should judge him by when he first took office." (Editorial, "After Four Years Of Failure, It's Time For A Change," Casper Star-Tribune, 10/14/12) Casper Star-Tribune: "Obama has failed. And voters shouldn't reward failure with another term in office." (Editorial, "After Four Years Of Failure, It's Time For A Change," Casper Star-Tribune, 10/14/12) Casper Star-Tribune: "American can't have another four years of fumbling." (Editorial, "After Four Years Of Failure, It's Time For A Change," Casper Star-Tribune, 10/14/12) #37 - The Herald Dispatch [Huntington, WV]: Obama "Divided The Nation." "Understandably, he has used his partisan leverage to achieve goals he thought important, such as health care reform. But in doing so, he divided the nation in a debate that is still raging." (Editorial, "Romney Looks Better Suited For Job At Hand," The Herald Dispatch, 10/21/12) The Herald Dispatch: "While President Obama speaks eloquently about bringing the country together, he has failed to do that." (Editorial, "Romney Looks Better Suited For Job At Hand," The Herald Dispatch, 10/21/12) #38 - Bluefield Daily Telegraph: "As the economic crisis continued to grow - and millions more were still without work - Obama chose to ignore the emergency at hand and instead came to a Kroger store right here in Southwest Virginia to stump for his controversial health care reform package." (Editorial, "President Of The United States, Republican Mitt Romney," Bluefield Daily Telegraph, 10/23/12) Bluefield Daily Telegraph: "When we needed a president and a Congress who would fight to lift us out of a painful recession, they were too busy working to pass a health care law that many Americans still oppose or simply don't understand." (Editorial, "President Of The United States, Republican Mitt Romney," Bluefield Daily Telegraph, 10/23/12) Bluefield Daily Telegraph: The Obama Administration Has "Waged A Deplorable Crusade To Kill Coal Mining Jobs" Through Its "Politically Motivated Environmental Protection Agency." "This administration from day one has waged a deplorable crusade to kill coal mining jobs, and to close coal-fired power plants, through a politically motivated Environmental Protection Agency…. Yes, the war on coal is real. It's very real. And it has to be stopped." (Editorial, "President Of The United States, Republican Mitt Romney," Bluefield Daily Telegraph, 10/23/12) #39 - Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise: "Four years later we realize ['Change We Can Believe In'] was all made up."(Editorial, "Romney For President,"Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise, 10/21/12) Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise: "He's Had Four Years To Change The Course Of Things But Has Only Made Them Worse." "In 2008, an unproven Obama promised things would turn out differently with him in charge. 'Change we can believe in' is how he put it. Four years later we realize it was all made up. Problems Obama inherited, like the financial collapse, were never fully resolved. Others, like the national debt, got worse. Obama isn't even trying to defend the indefensible -- his failing four-year record. Instead, in partisan style he is blaming others, including Democrat and Republican predecessors, for driving America to the edge of fiscal insolvency. When Obama looks into a mirror, he must see Jimmy Carter staring back at him. He's had four years to change the course of things but has only made them worse." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise, 10/21/12) Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise: "Where's Your Plan, Mr. President?" "President Obama makes a weak case for re-election. He says his policies need four more years to kick in. This from a commander-in-chief who hasn't passed a federal budget in three years, hasn't submitted a comprehensive energy bill in four years, and hasn't given voters an inkling of where America might be headed through 2016. Where's your plan, Mr. President?" (Editorial, "Romney For President," Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise, 10/21/12) #40 - Journal And Courier [Lafayette, IN]: "We just don't believe he's [Obama's] earned another four years." (Editorial, "For President - Mitt Romney," Journal And Courier, 10/26/12) Journal And Courier: "Where's The Plan?...In All Of That Campaigning, That Plan Didn't Emerge." "But here's the rub: Obama has had four years. What improvements he's overseen are largely incremental. And when Obama is pressed on the matter, Americans get the same lecture about the mess he inherited from President Bush. That mess? All true, too. But at some point there has to be accountability for where we are as a nation and where we're going. Instead, lectures become excuses. And the excuses wear thin. Eventually, Obama's words, meant for Romney, blow back: Where's the plan? Where does this White House administration see America in four years? In all of that campaigning, that plan didn't emerge." (Editorial, "For President - Mitt Romney," Journal And Courier, 10/26/12) Journal And Courier: "At this point in a re-election bid, armed with a story of accomplishment, an incumbent should be prepared to ease into a second term. But even Obama must sense that compelling story isn't there." (Editorial, "For President - Mitt Romney," Journal And Courier, 10/26/12) Journal And Courier: Obama "Can Dish Out Blame," But Unlike Bill Clinton, "He Either Doesn't Have The Clout Or The Willingness To Work The Halls To Recruit Allies In Congress." "That said, we've watched Obama in the job. It's become increasingly clear that, while he can dish out blame for recalcitrant factions on the other side of the aisle, he either doesn't have the clout or the willingness to work the halls to recruit allies in Congress. He could have learned a thing or two from Bill Clinton in that regard, if he'd reached out before the heat of the campaign." (Editorial, "For President - Mitt Romney," Journal And Courier, 10/26/12) Journal And Courier: "He [Obama] spent so much time and political capital to pass a health care bill - one that actually wasn't his, but came to bear his name - at the expense of focus on the serious business of improving the economy." (Editorial, "For President - Mitt Romney," Journal And Courier, 10/26/12) #41 - The Star Press [Muncie, IN]: Under Obama, "Little Has Changed And Hope Is Not Much More Than An Afterthought." "President Barack Obama rode a wave of support into the White House on a promise of hope and change. Four years later, little has changed and hope is not much more than an afterthought." (Editorial, "Change Of Leadership Needed For Our Nation," The Star Press, 11/3/12) The Star Press: Under Obama, "Partisanship, A Stagnant Economy And A Divided Nation" Have "Grown." "Partisanship, a stagnant economy and a divided nation didn't originate during the Obama campaign, but neither did it dissipate. If anything, it has grown. That's not the change voters were looking for in 2008." (Editorial, "Change Of Leadership Needed For Our Nation," The Star Press, 11/3/12) #42 - The Joplin Globe: "Systemic, long-term change is needed in Washington, but after four years with President Barack Obama setting the nation's course, that change has not come." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney For President," The Joplin Globe, 10/27/12) #43 - The Shreveport Times: "We Have Little Confidence Obama Will Be More Successful Managing The Economy And The Budget Going Forward." "It is true that in 2008 we endorsed the change promised by Obama, but the reality today is - four years later - we have little confidence Obama will be more successful managing the economy and the budget going forward. Indeed, we feel change is needed again. And we believe Romney fills that ticket." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney: Our Choice For President," The Shreveport Times, 10/26/12) The Shreveport Times : In Pursuing Obamacare, Obama Did Not "Give Our Economy The Focus Of His Full Attention." "On the domestic front, rather than give our economy the focus of his full attention, the president spent 12 months of his time, and that of Congress, focusing on a health care reform bill which ended up costing him valuable political capital. While there were noble intentions behind it, the Affordable Care Act in reality hardened the partisan divide in Congress, and fear of the effects of the reforms and costs associated continue to play a role in preventing businesses from hiring new workers at a time when most voters believe jobs must be the president's key priority." (Editorial, "Mitt Romney: Our Choice For President," The Shreveport Times, 10/26/12) #44 - Burlington County Times [Willingboro, NJ]: "Obama Has Not Facilitated Bipartisanship," Much To "The Nation's Loss." "Still, President Obama has not facilitated bipartisanship. And he has not pursued a collegial relationship with congressional leaders - much to his administration's detriment and the nation's loss." (Editorial, "Romney Will Spur Confidence To Boost The Economy," Burlington County Times, 10/28/12) #45 - Cape Cod Times: "Today, There Is Little Hope In How Another Four Years Of An Obama Administration Would Swiftly And Effectively Lift Our Country Out Of Its Economic Doldrums, And There Is Little Change In How Washington Operates." "It was the vision of hope and change that convinced us four years ago to support then-Sen. Barack Obama over Sen. John McCain. Today, there is little hope in how another four years of an Obama administration would swiftly and effectively lift our country out of its economic doldrums, and there is little change in how Washington operates." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Cape Cod Times, 10/28/12) Cape Cod Times: "The White House, quite simply, has been ineffective much of the time." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Cape Cod Times, 10/28/12) #46 - Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "President Barack Obama has had ample time to transform the 'hope and change' of the 2008 campaign into positive results. The results have been deeply disappointing, and the tenor of his re-election campaign gives us no cause to hope a second term would offer anything better." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 10/28/12) Worcester Telegram & Gazette: Obama's "Prescriptions … Have Fallen Disappointingly Short Of What Is Needed To Restore America's Economy At Home And Rebuild Our Standing Overseas." "Four years ago, Americans placed the nation's highest office in the hands of a largely untested senator from Illinois, granting him both the awesome responsibilities and the tremendous opportunities that come with the presidency of these United States. There can be no doubt that the economic challenges faced by this nation and the world during the recent recession were more severe than many realized. But the prescriptions offered over the last four years - on both the domestic and foreign fronts - have fallen disappointingly short of what is needed to restore America's economy at home and rebuild our standing overseas." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 10/28/12) Worcester Telegram & Gazette : Obama's "Good Intentions, Repeated Promises And Lofty Rhetoric Are No Substitute For Sound Economics And A Foreign Policy Grounded In Realism And Strength." "The decision to turn an incumbent president out of office is never one to be undertaken lightly by voters. But good intentions, repeated promises and lofty rhetoric are no substitute for sound economics and a foreign policy grounded in realism and strength." (Editorial, "Romney For President," Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 10/28/12)