Swing states: how candidates fared in battle for newspaper endorsements

And in support of Obama, the Observer argues that his health-care reform in 2010 "illustrates the biggest contrast between the president and his challenger. In words and some deeds, Obama has worked to protect vulnerable Americans – the uninsured, gays, the children of illegal immigrants. He’s governed with a philosophy that all Americans deserve at least the opportunity for success, and he’s advocated for tax reform and an educational infrastructure that would promote fairness."

Florida: Tampa Bay Times – for Obama

While sharing the economic emphasis of many other newspaper endorsements (and of US voters), the Tampa Bay Times argues for Obama in part because of "stark" distinctions on social issues.

"With congressional Republicans forcing a stalemate on immigration, Obama took the initiative to let young undocumented immigrants of promise stay in this country legally if they are in school, high school graduates, or serve in the military," the paper says.

It sides with Obama in support of same-sex marriage. "The next president could appoint perhaps two Supreme Court justices," it adds, "and those appointments could determine whether a woman's right to control her own body is overturned. Romney, who supported abortion rights as Massachusetts governor and now opposes them with limited exceptions, cannot be trusted to stand up to social conservatives who view overturning Roe vs. Wade as a litmus test for prospective justices."

Nevada: Las Vegas Review-Journal – for Romney

While praising Romney as presenting solutions for America and for his scandal-free personal background, the Review-Journal devoted much of its argument to a critique of Obama. The paper argued that the president is unconvincing in his economic recipe of "higher taxes on investors, job creators, and small businesses" and borrowing money for government jobs programs.

After being implicitly rebuked by voters in the 2010 congressional elections, "instead of moving to the center, as President Bill Clinton did after the 1994 Republican Revolution, Mr. Obama has dug in his heels," the paper argues. "He shares the blame for Washington's gridlock."

Colorado: Denver Post – for Obama

The Post cuts Obama some slack because of the very difficult economic conditions he inherited. While saying Obama "can be fairly criticized for leaning too heavily on regulations," the paper argues that Romney's plans are vague or don't add up in the view of budget experts.

"Neither [candidate] has done enough to lead us to think voters on Nov. 6 aren't, to a certain degree, being asked to make a leap of faith," the Post says. "But Obama's record of accomplishment under trying circumstances and his blueprint for a second term make him the best pick to move the nation forward."

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