Photo: Hillary Clinton is yet to claim victory over Democratic rival Bernie Sanders (Facebook: Hillary Clinton)

US election: New York Times endorses Hillary Clinton for president

25 Sep 2016,

The New York Times has endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for the White House, saying she is more qualified than Republican presidential rival Donald Trump to handle the challenges facing the United States.

The newspaper described Mrs Clinton as "one of the most tenacious politicians of her generation" and said she had displayed a command of policy and diplomatic nuance while building a reputation for grit and bipartisan cooperation.

"A lifetime's commitment to solving problems in the real world qualifies Hillary Clinton for this job, and the country should put her to work."

Mrs Clinton will face off against Mr Trump on Monday night (US time) in the first of three presidential debates, with opinion polls showing her once sizable lead over the New York businessman narrowing amid continued public doubts about her trustworthiness.

The New York Times said Mrs Clinton's mistakes had distorted perceptions of her character, but praised her work restoring US credibility in foreign affairs as secretary of state and on behalf of children, women and families throughout her career.

The Times said it also wanted to persuade people reluctant of voting for her; Republicans who cannot stomach a Democrat, voters who don't want another Clinton in power, or a candidate they do not see as representing change.

Today's world is fraught with war, terrorism, "bigoted, tribalist movements" and the pressures of globalisation, among other problems, the paper argued.

"Mrs Clinton has shown herself to be a realist who believes America cannot simply withdraw behind oceans and walls, but must engage confidently in the world to protect its interests and be true to its values," the newspaper said.

It said Mrs Clinton's decision to use a private email server for government work as secretary of state deserved the scrutiny it has received in the campaign, but considered alongside the real challenges facing the United States it "looks like a matter for the help desk."

The New York Times is one of the world's most respected daily newspapers. Its website says it has more than 1 million digital subscribers and a daily print circulation of 590,000 and 1.1 million on Sundays.

Reuters/AFP