New York Times endorses Hillary Clinton for US president

US: The editorial board of the New York Times has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for US president on Saturday and urged it's readers to vote for the former secretary of state saying she is best suited to handle “bigoted, tribalist movements and their leaders on the march” across the world and also to deal the challenges facing the United States.

The editorial scheduled to appear in print on Sunday, just 24 hours before the first presidential debate described 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.

"In any normal election year, we’d compare the two presidential candidates side by side on the issues. But this is not a normal election year. A comparison like that would be an empty exercise in a race where one candidate — our choice, Hillary Clinton — has a record of service and a raft of pragmatic ideas, and the other, Donald Trump, discloses nothing concrete about himself or his plans while promising the moon and offering the stars on layaway" the editorial reads.

The Times, a reliable supporter of liberal politicians emphasizes national security and cites Clinton's experience as secretary of state in saying she is better qualified to shape US foreign policy than her Republican challenger, Donald Trump. 

“In the Middle East and across Asia, in Russia and Eastern Europe, even in Britain and the United States, war, terrorism and the pressures of globalization are eroding democratic values, fraying alliances and challenging the ideals of tolerance and charity,” it added.

The Times, waved aside Clinton’s “occasional missteps,” which -- along with relentless Republican attacks and tough media coverage -- have contributed to “distorted perceptions of her character.”

The editorial specifically,bemoan Clinton’s “penchant for secrecy,” as evident by her use of a private email server while serving as secretary of state.

Although the editorial urged readers to put aside their worries concerning Clinton’s communications habits in service of the larger good.

“That decision deserved scrutiny, and it’s had it,” the board writes. “Now, considered alongside the real challenges that will occupy the next president, that email server, which has consumed so much of this campaign, looks like a matter for the help desk.”

The editorial's straightforward positive endorsement is based on Clinton’s qualifications, rather than an argument against those of Donald Trump.

“Our endorsement is rooted in respect for her intellect, experience, toughness and courage over a career of almost continuous public service, often as the first or only woman in the arena,” it says.

“She is one of the most tenacious politicians of her generation, whose willingness to study and correct course is rare in an age of unyielding partisanship,” the board writes.

“As first lady, she rebounded from professional setbacks and personal trials with astounding resilience. Over eight years in the Senate and four as secretary of state, she built a reputation for grit and bipartisan collaboration. She displayed a command of policy and diplomatic nuance and an ability to listen to constituents and colleagues that are all too exceptional in Washington.”

The editorial vows to previews a forthcoming broadside against Republican candidate Donald Trump.

“We will explain in a subsequent editorial why we believe Mr. Trump to be the worst nominee put forward by a major party in modern American history."