New York Times Endorses Hillary Clinton, John Kasich

The New York Times Editorial Board endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Ohio Gov. John Kasich for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations on Saturday, calling Clinton one of the most “broadly and deeply qualified presidential candidates in modern history,” and Kasich “the only plausible choice for Republicans tired of the extremism and inexperience on display in this race.”

The editorial said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s foremost opponent, has bold proposals that have won him unexpected support but unrealistic plans for achieving them. The board calls Martin O’Malley, the third Democratic candidate, a “personable and reasonable liberal” who is better suited for the job of Maryland governor or Baltimore mayor, posts he’s already held.

On the Republican side, the paper lambasted leading candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz as “equally objectionable,” before endorsing Ohio Gov. John Kasich. The editorial criticized Trump for his lack of experience, saying the businessman “invents his positions as he goes along,” and argued Cruz would say anything to get elected.

Kasich, “though a distinct underdog, is the only plausible choice for Republicans tired of the extremism and inexperience on display in this race,” the Times wrote.

The endorsements come ahead of the Iowa caucuses on Monday, the first time votes will be cast for candidates in the 2016 presidential election.