America has been speeding in the wrong direction for nearly eight years.  Under the Bush administration, our nation has become mired in an unjustified war; our economy has suffered from a weakening dollar, astronomical oil prices, mortgage crises and widespread bank failures; the EPA has failed to regulate the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming; and the number of Americans uninsured by health coverage has reached 47 million.  Change is in order, and the outcome of the 2008 Presidential election will decide our nation's ability to effect that change.

The Republican nominee for President, Senator John McCain of Arizona, has a heroic war record and reputation as a "maverick."  Sadly, Senator McCain has evolved into a spokesman for Bush administration policies, vigorously supporting Bush's expansion of the war in Iraq and changing his position on issues like offshore drilling and tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent of Americans.  On the economy, Senator McCain's lack of knowledge is alarming.  Senator McCain is clearly not the agent of change our nation sorely needs.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), the Democratic nominee for President, will change our country's course on issues like the war in Iraq, the environment, economic policy, and open government.  Senator Obama's command of the issues is impressive, and he displays the potential to appeal across demographic boundaries and reach consensus on critical issues facing our nation.  For a nation mired in military, economic, and environmental quagmires, the 2008 election offers a crucial opportunity to achieve positive change.  Senator Barack Obama is clearly better equipped to effect such change, and the New Jersey Media Corps enthusiastically endorses him for President.