Regardless of who wins, the 2008 race for the White House is already a historic benchmark. We will wake up on Nov. 5 with either our first black president or our first female vice president. | Election page: Read other Pantagraph endorsements

Even without the "firsts," this is a critical time for our nation. Economic turmoil at home and an ongoing war abroad will instantly and severely test the next president.

That's why it's essential that American voters select someone who can navigate through those treacherous waters, be prepared for yet-unknown crises and provide level-headed leadership not only for this country but also for the world.

Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden can meet these challenges better than Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin.

When Sen. McCain selected Gov. Palin as his running mate, he made it more difficult to endorse him because he chose political expediency over the best interests of the country. She's simply not qualified to sit a heartbeat away from the presidency.

This nation is in need of inspirational leadership. Obama can be that leader.

He has shown throughout the campaign an ability to respond with calm resolution, in a way that we expect of the president of the greatest nation on earth.

One thing that has been consistent about Obama, going back at least to his days as a Harvard law student, is his contemplative decision-making style. His willingness to listen to what others have to say, weighing the pros and cons before reaching a conclusion is a welcome change. It's time for a leader who can mend our image abroad.

Obama has promised a responsible disengagement from Iraq. He has pledged to meet the escalating threat in Afghanistan. He promises a return to dialogue with friends and enemies alike.

At home, we believe he will be consultative in his approach to solving our difficult economic problems. It just takes the right leadership to harness the energy of great minds, leaving all the political nonsense behind.

This is not an easy choice.

We would have preferred that Obama have more experience before becoming president and we don't agree with some of his positions -his views on taxation and on removing the secret ballot in union organizing, for example.

But he can make up for his limited experience by surrounding himself with experienced people who have good analytical skills and are committed to telling the president what he needs to know, not what he wants to hear - advisers he can trust; not ideologues.

Democrats are expected to retain control of the House of Representatives and possibly increase their majority in the Senate.

But political realities require that the next president work in the center of the spectrum, where most Americans reside. Extremism on the right and the left will need to yield to common sense solutions in the middle.

With his great ability to communicate, Obama can accomplish that. He has all the qualities to be a great president. It's up to him.

The Pantagraph endorses Barack Obama for president.