New York Times endorses Clinton for Democratic nomination

The New York Times has endorsed former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic nomination, a potential boost for the candidate two days before the Iowa caucuses.

Times editors wrote on Saturday that they chose Clinton over her main rival, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, due to her experience and policy ideas.

The editorial board described Clinton as “one of the most broadly and deeply qualified presidential candidates in modern history.”

“Hillary Clinton would be the first woman nominated by a major party,” the editorial said. “She served as a senator from a major state (New York) and as secretary of state – not to mention her experience on the national stage as first lady with her brilliant and flawed husband, President Bill Clinton.”

The editorial praised Sanders for highlighting issues like income inequality and the plight of the middle class, but cast doubt on his ability to implement several of his key policies, including breaking up large banks and creating a Medicare-for-all health care plan.

It concluded that Sanders “does not have the breadth of experience or policy ideas that Mrs. Clinton offers.”

"Hillary Clinton is the right choice for the Democrats to present a vision for America that is radically different from the one that leading Republican candidates offer -- a vision in which middle-class Americans have a real shot at prosperity, women's rights are enhanced, undocumented immigrants are given a chance at legitimacy, international alliances are nurtured and the country is kept safe," the Times said.

According to a poll released on Saturday, Democratic frontrunner Clinton is maintaining a slim lead over Sanders in Iowa.

Clinton beat out rival Sanders in the Des Moines Register/Bloomberg poll. She has 45 percent support, with Sanders at 42 percent.

In a separate editorial on Saturday, the Times endorsed John Kasich, the governor of Ohio, for the GOP presidential race.

Kasich deserves the Republican nomination because he is "the only plausible choice for Republicans tired of the extremism and inexperience on display in this race," the Times said.

The governor stands out from the crowded GOP field, the Times said. “He favors a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and he speaks of government’s duty to protect the poor, the mentally ill and others ‘in the shadows.’ ”

Kasich quickly expressed his appreciation for the endorsement. He tweeted that he was "proud to have the support" of The New York Times.

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